Increase in dog bite complaints
A hospital and two councils in Norfolk have seen an increase in the number of complaints of dog bites over the last two years.
The Breckland District Council dog warden has seen complaints of dangerous dogs rise by 50% with similar increases being reported in South Norfolk.
In addition, 181 patients with dog bites were dealt with in 2007 at Norwich University Hospital compared to 106 in 2006.
A total of 215 incidents of animal bites were dealt with by staff according to a spokesman for the Hospital.
Katrina Elsey from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors specialises in dog bites. She said: Over the past year I have noted an increase in dog attacks and represent a number of clients who has suffered serious injury and psychological trauma. Being bitten by a dog is a terrifying experience. Dog owners and keepers have a duty to ensure that their dogs do not cause injury.
Unfortunately we have seen a number of dog attacks on children over the last year but equally another group of concern are postal workers frequently attacked by dogs through no fault of their own.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 stipulates that dog owners of certain types of breeds of dogs have to meet strict requirements. Unfortunately, dog owners do not always adhere to these requirements often leading to dangerous dogs causing serious injury.
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