FOI Request Reveals Rise In Animal Bite Cases In Hospitals

A reported increase in dog attacks across East Lancashire has highlighted why the government needs to do more to protect the public from the risk of such incidents, according to an animal bites claim specialist at Irwin Mitchell.

The Burnley Express reports that a Freedom of Information Act request has revealed there has been a 13 per cent increase in the number of dog bite cases in hospitals operated by the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust since 2007.

A total of 793 cases were recorded in 2011, with around a quarter of those incidents involving children under 16.

Irwin Mitchell acts for the victims of dog attacks and animal bites, helping them to secure funds for rehabilitation which can help them recover from the physical and psychological impact of such terrifying incidents.

Louise Scott, a solicitor who specialises in dog attack claims at the national law firm, said: “This research raises significant concerns, with the 13 per cent rise demonstrating that the problem of dog attacks in some communities is simply not going away.

“We act in a huge number of cases in which people have suffered serious injuries due to attacks and more needs to be done to ensure those victims can get the support they need.

“The government is expected soon to announce new plans to tackle this issue and we would hope for better identification – through licensing and compulsory microchipping – as well as some consideration of measures including compulsory insurance.

“So many owners are considerate and responsible, but this research highlights that there is still a minority that should be held to account.”