The number of people treated for dog bites at hospitals in England has risen sharply, according to figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats.
The number of people treated for dog bites at hospitals in England has risen sharply, according to figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats.
NHS statistics show the number attending A&E after a dog attack has risen by more than 40% in the last four years to nearly 3,800 a year.
NHS statistics show the number attending A&E after a dog attack has risen by more than 40% in the last four years to nearly 3,800 a year.
The figures follow a series of widely publicised attacks on children.
The figures follow a series of widely publicised attacks on children.
Young children and teenagers are the most likely groups to be treated at hospital after a dog bite.
Young children and teenagers are the most likely groups to be treated at hospital after a dog bite.
The hospital admission statistics also reveal a strong regional variation.
The hospital admission statistics also reveal a strong regional variation.
DOGS BANNED IN UK Pit Bull TerrierJapanese tosaDogo ArgentinoFila Brasileiro
DOGS BANNED IN UK Pit Bull TerrierJapanese tosaDogo ArgentinoFila Brasileiro
During the four-year period the number of patients under 18 treated for dog bites in London more than doubled, and in the West Midlands it rose by 80%.
During the four-year period the number of patients under 18 treated for dog bites in London more than doubled, and in the West Midlands it rose by 80%.
In contrast, the number of under-18s injured by dogs in the East Midlands rose by just 2% over the same period.
In contrast, the number of under-18s injured by dogs in the East Midlands rose by just 2% over the same period.
Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat health spokesman, called for more to be done to make people aware of the risks of irresponsible dog ownership.
Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat health spokesman, called for more to be done to make people aware of the risks of irresponsible dog ownership.
The Liberal Democrats want to see stricter legal duties laid on dog owners, and control orders to impose conditions on ownership - or in severe cases disqualify irresponsible owners.
The Liberal Democrats want to see stricter legal duties laid on dog owners, and control orders to impose conditions on ownership - or in severe cases disqualify irresponsible owners.
Of the attack figures Mr Lamb added: "These are dramatic increases. I think in some communities these dogs have become a badge of honour, a fashion accessory in a way, and I think that's very disturbing."
Of the attack figures Mr Lamb added: "These are dramatic increases. I think in some communities these dogs have become a badge of honour, a fashion accessory in a way, and I think that's very disturbing."
Bad scars
Bad scars
Chloe Grayson, nine, is still recovering from a sudden unprovoked dog attack which has left her left cheek seriously scarred.
Chloe Grayson, nine, is still recovering from a sudden unprovoked dog attack which has left her left cheek seriously scarred.
She can change from being happy and playful to being an emotional wreck Nicola GraysonMother of dog bite victim
She can change from being happy and playful to being an emotional wreck Nicola GraysonMother of dog bite victim
Chloe was bitten on the face at a neighbour's house, when she went into the kitchen to ask her mother for a glass of water.
Chloe was bitten on the face at a neighbour's house, when she went into the kitchen to ask her mother for a glass of water.
Nicola Grayson said her daughter had blood pouring down her face, and was screaming: "Mummy, I'm going to bleed to death".
Nicola Grayson said her daughter had blood pouring down her face, and was screaming: "Mummy, I'm going to bleed to death".
Chloe's scars are healing well but Nicola said her daughter had been left terrified of dogs.
Chloe's scars are healing well but Nicola said her daughter had been left terrified of dogs.
She said: "Emotionally it's been very bumpy; she can change from being happy and playful to being an emotional wreck, worrying if she'll be allowed to go to a party because of her scar."
She said: "Emotionally it's been very bumpy; she can change from being happy and playful to being an emotional wreck, worrying if she'll be allowed to go to a party because of her scar."
Hospital statistics confirm that children under the age of nine are most likely to be admitted to hospital with a dog bite, closely followed by teenagers.
Hospital statistics confirm that children under the age of nine are most likely to be admitted to hospital with a dog bite, closely followed by teenagers.
Some local authorities are concerned that teenagers and young men are buying menacing dogs as a status symbol.
Some local authorities are concerned that teenagers and young men are buying menacing dogs as a status symbol.
Responsible ownership
Responsible ownership
In London where the increase in attacks has been the greatest, the Greater London Authority, Metropolitan Police, RSPCA and Battersea Dogs' Home are launching a campaign on responsible dog ownership.
In London where the increase in attacks has been the greatest, the Greater London Authority, Metropolitan Police, RSPCA and Battersea Dogs' Home are launching a campaign on responsible dog ownership.
Chloe needs regular treatment
Chloe needs regular treatment
The London borough of Wandsworth is among the local councils using byelaws and ASBOs to deal with owners who fail to control their dogs.
The London borough of Wandsworth is among the local councils using byelaws and ASBOs to deal with owners who fail to control their dogs.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said comprehensive legislation was in place to deal with people who failed to control their dogs.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said comprehensive legislation was in place to deal with people who failed to control their dogs.
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 four types of dog are banned: the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino and fila Brasileiro .
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 four types of dog are banned: the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino and fila Brasileiro .
A spokesperson said: "We keep the Act under regular review and last year we carried out a consultation with the police on dangerous dogs legislation.
A spokesperson said: "We keep the Act under regular review and last year we carried out a consultation with the police on dangerous dogs legislation.
"At the time the police did not indicate there was any need to add any other types of dogs to the list of prohibited dogs covered by the Act."
"At the time the police did not indicate there was any need to add any other types of dogs to the list of prohibited dogs covered by the Act."
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