Expert Warns Of Dangers

An expert at Irwin Mitchell who specialises in helping those injured in dog attacks has called for a full investigation to be carried out after an East Sussex toddler was seriously injured in an attack by a Japanese Akita.

The two-year-old from Hailsham suffered major but not life-threatening injuries in the incident, which is believed to have occurred at home just after 8pm last night (January 19th).

Police have said it is thought the animal, which will now be destroyed, is the family’s pet.

Commenting on the case, Katrina Elsey, who regularly advises those who have suffered dog bites at Irwin Mitchell’s London office, warned that this incident is just the latest in a string of such attacks in recent weeks.

She said: “It is a major concern that news of another dog attack has broken so soon after similar incidents were reported around the Christmas – most notably the terrible fatal injuries suffered in south London by Barbara Williams.

“Such attacks can have massive emotional and physical consequences for those involved and it is clear that a change in legislation or regulations in place on dogs, like those  recently proposed by Labour MP Willie Bain, should be considered.

“We also believe there should be changes in licensing in relation to ownership and control of dogs regarded as dangerous.

“Ultimately though, it is clear that a thorough investigation should be carried out into this incident to ensure that lessons are learnt that will go some way to preventing anyone else being hurt in such a manner.”