This comes in the wake of numerous deaths from dog attacks in the UK. There was a 54 percent increase in dog attacks between 2020 to 2021, according to the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association. Dr Sam Gaines, a dog specialist from animal protection charity the RSPCA, said an increase in the number of people buying puppies during lockdown may have contributed to the rising numbers of fatal maulings.
Almost 3.2 million households have adopted a puppy since the pandemic began in March 2020.
However, there are fears that the animals’ social skills could be underdeveloped due to increased time indoors and a lack of interaction with other dogs.
Dr Gaines stressed that the breed of dog “is not the key factor” when it comes to attacks, warning that no breed is safe.
Instead, she said the issues are often related to a “range of management issues”, such as abuse.
She said that the RSPCA is “really concerned” about the situation.
Dr Gaines continued: “People found themselves in a situation where they wanted some companionship, wanted something for their children to look after.
“Whether that led to some impulse purchases, or impulse acquisitions for people without asking: ‘Do I have the time, do I have the resources and finances to make what is a very long-term commitment?’
“We are worried that some of the incidents could be related to that.”
Speaking to the Sun, she added: “Some of the increases in dog bites we’ve seen – they may well be as a result of that.”
However, she said it is difficult to pinpoint the cause of the increase due to a lack of information in relation to each incident.
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And in recent weeks, Kyra Leanne King, just three months old, was killed by a husky in Lincolnshire.
Between 1981 and 1991, 15 people were killed by dog attacks, ONS figures show.
But in the last decade, the number has more than doubled, taking the total to 32.
Reports of offences to police involving dogs increased by 50 percent over four years, taking the total number to 14,478 in 2019.
Meanwhile, in 2020-21, the Metropolitan Police reported a 14 percent increase in dog attacks, with 2,140 cases.