At least five people, including two children under the age of two, have died following dog attacks in the UK since November last year.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) say 22 people were killed as a result of dog attacks in England and Wales between 2013 and 2019 – an average of just over three fatalities a year.
But the five reported in the last five months, including four in England and Wales, appear to show a worrying trend.
JACK LIS
Jack Lis, 10, was killed by a dog while playing at a friend’s house after school in Caerphilly, Wales on November 8 last year.
Emergency services were called to the property at around 3.55pm, but the boy died at the scene.
The dog, which was destroyed at the scene by police firearms officers, has been identified as either an American bully or XL bully, neither of which are on the banned breed list.
A 28-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death.
The pair have since been charged with these offences, released on bail, and are due to appear at Newport Magistrates’ Court later this month.
Emergency services were unable to save Jack Lis
Ian West
ADAM WATTS
Adam Watts was also killed in a separate dog attack at the Juniper Kennels and Cattery in Kirkton of Auchterhouse, near Dundee, in December 2021 last year.
The 55-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, while police say there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances around the fatality.
KYRA LEANNE KING
Three attacks have also taken place in March this year, including one on three-month-old Kyra Leanne King.
An inquest heard how the toddler died from head and neck wounds following the incident on March 6 at Ostler’s Plantation, near Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire.
The hearing has been adjourned until a later date, with a full inquest to take place then.
A 54-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman who were being held on suspicion of being in charge of an out-of-control husky dog, have been released under investigation.
BELLA-RAE BIRCH
A dog which mauled a 17-month-old girl in an attack on March 21 was not a banned breed, police have said.
Bella-Rae Birch died in hospital from her injuries after emergency services were called to her home in the Blackbrook area of St Helens, Merseyside.
Bella-Rae Birch
Family Handout
Merseyside Police say tests showed the dog, which was bought by the family a week before the attack, was an American bully XL.
In a statement released following the attack, her family said: “We would ask that we are now allowed some space and time to try and come to terms with the tragic loss of our much-loved Bella-Rae.
“She will be sadly missed but never forgotten.”
UNNAMED BOY
A two-year-old boy died in hospital on Wednesday, two days after being bitten by a dog.
The incident took place at an address Egdon, Worcestershire, on Monday, before he was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Mercia Police Superintendent Rebecca Love said: “We have been informed this morning that the young boy who was injured in an incident on Monday in Egdon, Worcestershire has sadly passed away.
“Officers responded to a report of a two-year-old child in cardiac arrest at approximately 11.20am on Monday March 28.
“It was quickly established the child had suffered injuries as a result of being bitten by a dog at the address in Worcestershire.
“The child was transferred from Worcestershire Royal Hospital to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and despite medical treatment, he has died as a result of his injuries.
Birmingham Children's Hospital
WikiCommons
“This is a truly tragic incident and our thoughts are with the family at this very difficult time.
“Three dogs have been removed from the property and are currently being housed securely. I am unable to confirm the breed of the dogs at this time, but we do not believe they are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
“An investigation continues, and I would ask for your respect for the family’s privacy at this very distressing time.”
Police said three dogs seized after the death of the boy have been confirmed as rottweilers.
