Reports of dog attacks are at a seven-year high

Attacks by out of control dogs that caused injuries reached a seven-year high in the South East in 2024, according to the latest figures.

Kent Police said there were 1,195 recorded in that year, compared to 898 in 2018.

Figures for Sussex and Surrey have also risen.

Kent Police said it would not hesitate to use its powers to seize dogs that were banned breeds or were involved in attacks.

The number of dog attacks recorded by forces across the UK has been rising.

Cases in Surrey have risen from 449 in 2018 to 722. Incidents in Sussex went from 733 to 1103 over the same time period.

In March a leading plastic surgeon at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead said he was concerned at the increasing number of injuries to children caused by dogs that he was being asked to treat.

Ownership has also grown, in parallel.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals estimated there were some 11 million dogs in the UK in 2023 - up 8% in one year.

Ryan O'Meara, a former professional dog trainer, claims the standards of dog ownership has reduced in the last 25 years.

"A lot of people have taken up dog breeding as a side business, particularly since the pandemic," he said.

"We have this vicious cycle of irresponsible and ill-equipped people producing dogs dogs and selling them to people who are irresponsible and ill-equipped to own dogs."

Mr O'Meara said if there was a re-introduction of a dog licence for owners, it should include education about dog breeds and dog breeding.

He also compared obtaining a dog licence to the equivalent of a driving licence.

"If we had a driving licence and the only thing you do is to just apply for it, as opposed to proving yourself competent to have earned that licence, then it doesn't go further forward," he added.

Insp Ben Brennan, of Kent Police's Dog Unit, said: "Owning a dog is a big responsibility and people have a duty to keep their pets under control.

"All dogs have the potential to cause harm in certain circumstances and we investigate all incidents where a dog has been reported as being dangerously out of control.

"We have the power to seize the dog and take action against its owner when necessary and proportionate, including incidents where a victim fears a dog's actions will lead to them being injured, regardless of whether or not any injuries have actually been caused.

"We also do not hesitate to act when a dog is suspected of being a banned breed. As in all cases when a dog is seized, the courts may ultimately decide that destruction is the only option to ensure the safety of others."

Insp Matt Songhurst, of Surrey Police and Sussex Police's joint dog unit, said the forces investigate all reports of dangerously out of control dogs and "can seize the dog and take action against owners" to prevent further harm.

"We remind owners of their responsibilities to ensure they have their pets under control at all times and understand the legislation that applies to them including about their dog's breed, and keeping it under control," he added.

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