New study to examine nature of dog attacks in UK
Research by Anglia Ruskin University will investigate scale of dangerous dogs issue
A new research project will examine the scale and nature of dog attacks in the UK, in the face of a lack of reliable data on the nature and prevalence of incidents.
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University’s Centre for Access to Justice and Inclusion (CAJI) are inviting people to complete an online survey on the nature of dog-bite incidents. They are particularly seeking the views of dog owners who have experienced dog control problems and people who have been involved in dog attack incidents.
The research, funded by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, aims to consider the circumstances under which dog attacks take place as well as identifying the support needs of owners to ensure that their dogs are kept properly under control.
Previous studies have shown that understanding of dog bites and attacks is limited by a lack of reliable data. Hospital admission figures give an indication of cases requiring medical treatment, but they offer little insight into the causes or circumstances of incidents.
Research into specific communities and into fatalities from dog attacks exists, although deaths remain rare. There are also statistics on reported dog‑bite incidents and on prosecutions, but these datasets provide only limited information on why such incidents occur.
“More than a year on from the restrictions on ownership of XL Bully dogs, dog attacks remain a problem. There is little evidence to support the idea that placing individual breeds on the banned list will by itself be effective in preventing future attacks. The problem of dog attacks is one that refuses to go away.
“Previous research has identified that the dog bite and dog attack problem is not confined to those dogs classed as dangerous by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Research has shown that other dog breeds are still involved in attacks and that the law is largely reactive.
“We need to improve recording of information about dog attacks and examine the different types of dog attack that take place. Collection of better data and in-depth understanding of how, why and where dog attacks take place will allow us to identify ways of preventing dog attacks.”
Angus Nurse, Professor of Law and Environmental Justice at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)To participate in the survey, visit https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/angliaruskin/safety-around-dogs