Birmingham-Based Expert Comments On New Research
By Rob Dixon
Legal experts in Birmingham have said new figures showing the number of hospital admissions due to dog attacks in the Midlands demonstrates the need for the Government to take action to prevent such problems.
Research released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre has revealed a 46 per cent increase in admissions for dog-related injuries in Coventry and Warwickshire, which was in direct contrast to national figures showing an overall decrease.
Coventry Telegraph reports that the RSPCA has called on owners to ensure animals are given effective training which will educate them on socialising.
Louise Scott, a specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham who represents victims of dog attacks and helps them to gain justice over such incidents, said the local figures highlighted the need for more to be done to prevent issues.
She explained: “In recent months, we have seen an increase in enquiries related to people who have been injured in dog attacks. While the Government has taken some steps to look into this issue with plans to introduce microchipping, we remain concerned that little is being done to help victims.
“We have repeatedly called for compulsory licensing and insurance to be introduced so that irresponsible owners can be held to account when their dogs are involved in such an incident. Most importantly, the move would ensure victims can get vital financial support following an attack.
“The psychological and physical trauma that these attacks cause cannot be underestimated and it is vital something is done to tackle this awful issue.”
Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Dog Bite claims