Dog bite hospital admissions on the rise
Figures from the Health and Social Care information Centre have revealed that over 5% more people were admitted to hospital with a dog bite during the 12 month period to April this year, than last year.
The worst affected group was children aged under 10, who comprised more than 1000 admissions, three-quarters of which needed surgery.
The Kennel Club is now calling for greater awareness about child safety around dogs, and is urging people to communicate with their children about the best way to stay safe when interacting with dogs.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “Dogs are a big part of our lives and it is likely that every child will come across a dog at some point this year, at home, at a friend’s or just out on the street. During the summer holidays is a great time to sit down with your child and speak to them about dog safety, and using the tips and game available through the Kennel Club’s Safe and Sound Scheme is a great way to clearly illustrate to your children the best way for them to behave around dogs.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
