The frequency of dog attacks has soared during the pandemic, with more than three incidents happening every hour both outdoors and inside homes.
A concerning trend has emerged as some dog owners seek to evade the ban on violent breeds by exploiting a loophole involving Bully breeds.
Recent data from the Mirror indicates that in 2025, there were at least 29,400 documented cases of out-of-control dog attacks causing harm, translating to an average of 81 attacks daily or roughly 3.4 attacks per hour. This alarming figure marks a significant five percent increase compared to the previous year, when 28,000 attacks were reported following the ban on XL Bully dogs. Prior to the pandemic, the recorded attacks were just over 16,000.
Experts analyzing the data suggest that the surge in dog attacks reflects a societal breakdown unfolding before our eyes.
The latest statistics reveal that dog attacks have nearly doubled since the start of the pandemic, leading to tragic outcomes such as fatalities, severe injuries, and permanent disabilities.
The data showcases a rising trend in dog attacks over the years, with figures climbing from 16,040 in 2020 to 19,762 in 2021, 21,700 in 2022, and reaching 27,000 in 2023. These numbers were obtained through exclusive Freedom of Information requests made to police forces nationwide by the Mirror.
Mike and Shirley Anderson, the parents of Jade Lomas-Anderson, who tragically lost her life in a dog attack in 2013, expressed their dismay at the increasing figures. They emphasized the urgent need for legislative changes to address the escalating number of dog attacks involving multiple breeds, not just XL bullies.
The Metropolitan Police in London reported the highest number of dog attacks in the previous year, including a harrowing incident where a woman was viciously mauled by a dog in a church garden.
The victim recounted the terrifying ordeal, describing how the powerful dog attacked her, causing deep wounds and trauma as she tried to shield her pet dogs from the aggressive animal.
Following London, Greater Manchester Police, the region where Jade lost her life, recorded the second-highest number of cases, with one particularly distressing incident involving a 10-year-old girl sustaining life-changing injuries from an “XL bully type dog.”
The tragic consequences of dog attacks were further highlighted by several fatal incidents, including the deaths of three individuals within a week. Notably, a woman in her 70s lost her life after being attacked by two dogs in Wolverhampton, leading to the dogs being euthanized due to their continued aggression.
The breeding of alternative bully types in the UK, such as “micro” and “nano” bullies, has emerged as a method to circumvent the ban on XL bullies, which was enforced in response to a series of violent dog attacks.
Law enforcement agencies have noted a surge in dog attacks in correlation with the local population, providing insights into the scale of the issue. For instance, Lincolnshire Police reported the highest rate of out-of-control dog attacks per capita in the country.
Data from various police forces indicates a substantial increase in dog attacks over the years, with a notable rise in A&E visits due to dog bites since the onset of the pandemic.
Reflecting on the escalating incidents, experts in the field stress the need for revamped legislation to address the root causes of dog attacks and enhance public safety.
Amid these concerning trends, experts suggest that a combination of factors, including increased dog ownership, reliance on misleading training advice, and societal stressors, may contribute to the surge in dog attacks.
The rise in dog attacks underscores the imperative for proactive measures and comprehensive strategies to mitigate the risks associated with dog-related incidents and safeguard public well-being.
