PDSA Figures Raise Concerns Over Training Of Pets

New findings that more than half of dog owners know someone who has been attacked or bitten by a dog are yet another clear sign that urgent action is needed to ensure more is done to protect the public and ensure they can get justice in the event of an injury, according to experts at Irwin Mitchell.

Veterinary charity PDSA’s study revealed that 51 per cent of dog owners were aware of someone who had been bitten or attacked, with the charity linking such problems to a failure of a number of owners to not ensure their pets are given training in obedience and socialising.

It was revealed that 61 per cent of dogs had not attended such classes with their first six months of life.

Irwin Mitchell’s team of lawyers who specialise in dog bite claims represent people of all ages who have suffered significant physical and psychological injuries after being involved in attacks.

David Urpeth, a Partner and expert in such animal bite claims, said the new findings were the latest in a long line of evidence that more needs to be done to put safeguards in place on this issue.

He explained: “The Government recently completed a consultation which examined plans to improve protection in relation to dangerous dogs, but we are yet to see any indication of progress being made following that piece of work.

“This year there has been a number of reports about people being seriously injured in dog attacks, while hospital admission figures have even shown that dog bite injuries are on the rise. This has been a hot topic for a number of months and it is once again obvious that action needs to be taken.

“Through our work we regular support victims in their efforts to gain justice over dog attacks, which is why we were particularly disappointed to see compulsory insurance and licensing not included in the plans. Such measures would go some way to ensuring that owners and dogs can be identified, as well as that victims can get the necessary support following such attacks.

“Another recent concern has been that the Government appears keen to push through plans that would mean dog attack victims are not able to get support through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Scheme.

“This would leave many victims with nowhere to go when they need funds for access to rehabilitation and support services following such injuries, as well as money to compensate them for time off work and other issues created by their involvement in attacks.”