Lawyers Reiterate Call For Victims To Not Be Forgotten In Plans To Tackle Issue

By Rob Dixon

Legal experts who specialise in helping people injured in dog attacks to gain justice over such incidents, have once again demanded that action is taken to improve support for victims, after further reports on the issue emerged this week.

The Sheffield Star has reported on the story of 71-year-old Tony Sherborne, who was hospitalised for three days after being bitten on his hands and head while trying to save his own pet from an attack by two bull mastiffs.

Mr Sherborne was left needing 45 stitches in total for his injuries, while his dog Max also need stitches after being repeatedly bitten by the two animals. South Yorkshire police are now investigating the incident.

News of the incident came after it was confirmed that the owner of four dogs involved in an attack which led to the death of 14-year-old Jade Anderson in Wigan in March this year has been charged with offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Irwin Mitchell’s specialist injury lawyers have vast experience in helping victims of dog attacks to seek justice over the ordeals they have faced, as well as ensuring they can access funds which go towards their rehabilitation and recovery.

David Urpeth, a Partner and specialist in dog bite claims at Irwin Mitchell, said: “We’ve said it so many times in the past, but barely a week goes by at present without a major dog attack occurring or the issue being thrust into the media spotlight.

“This is an issue of major proportions and we have seen first-hand how victims have had their lives turned upside down as a result of the physical and psychological trauma of such incidents.

“The Government is looking to introduce measures to tackle the issue of dangerous dogs, but we still feel there is work to be done to provide improved support to victims that will allow them to gain justice over the injuries they have suffered.

“Enforcing compulsory insurance and licensing on owners will help in the identification of animals as well as ensure that victims will be able to gain financial redress for the injuries they have suffered. This is shockingly not on the Government’s agenda at present and we would urge them to rethink this.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Dog Bite claims