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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Politics
Hollie Bone

Dog attacks left 1,700 children in hospital last year as calls grow for action

More than 1,700 children were treated in hospital after being bitten by dogs last year.

Animal charities said just over four kids were admitted every day.

Experts warned parents all dogs can bite, as they predict a spike in attacks in the summer holidays.

Dr Samantha Gaines, head of companion animals at the RSPCA, said: “We don’t ever expect our own dogs to bite but all dogs can.”

Dr Gaines called the figures worrying after 1,726 children were hospitalised in 2022. The mum of Jack Lis, 10, who was killed by an XL Bully in 2021, has backed the Mirror’s campaign for a law change to prevent maulings.

Experts say many bites are preventable at home where dog and child supervision is essential.

The RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Defra and Child Accident Prevention Trust have created a fact sheet on signs that a dog might be angry.

They include a tense body, weight forward with their ears and tail up, looking directly at you.

Jack was 10 when he was killed in dog attack (Emma Whitfield)

Jack's mum Emma Whitfield, 32, revealed she is still haunted by flashbacks of the 7st animal named “Beast” which killed her son 18 months ago in Caerphilly, Wales.

She called for “Jack Lis’ law” as she echoed our demands for tougher penalties and better enforcement to stop irresponsible owners with out of control dogs.

The campaign is also backed by The Dog Coalition, made up of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, the British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust,Hope Rescue, the RSPCA and the Scottish SPCA.

Katrina Phillips OBE, chief executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, said: “The summer holidays bring an increase in dog bites, as children and dogs spend more time together at home.

“Give your dog a safe space they can go to when they need time out from children’s exuberance.

“Watch, listen and stay close when your dog and child are together. And learn dog body language so you can spot the early warning signs and separate them before the worst happens. Even a much-loved family pet can bite if they feel they have no other option.”

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