Dog attacks almost double, police force data shows

The number of attacks by an out-of-control dog on people or assistance dogs has almost doubled over the last six years, a police force's data shows.

The rise in the Northumbria Police area, between 2018 and 2024, was revealed following a freedom of information (FOI) request by the BBC Shared Data Unit.

Meanwhile, a woman whose cockapoo was killed on Saturday by an out-of-control dog in South Hetton, County Durham, said dog attacks were a "traumatic experience".

The Northumbria force said the rise in dog ownership across the region contributed to the increase, and that it had a "range of measures in place" to tackle the issue.

It said it had seen recorded offences rise from 412 in 2018 to 762 in 2024.

A spokesperson said: "As a force, we always look to identify threats from dangerous dogs in our communities and have a range of measures in place to address irresponsible dog ownership, suspected banned breeds and incidents involving injury or fear caused by out-of-control dogs."

Danielle Alexander was left "heartbroken" when her dog Daisy, who was four-and-a- half, was killed by a Lurcher-style dog, which was off its lead on Saturday on Windermere Road.

She said her mother-in-law had been walking the dog when she called to say "Daisy's been attacked!"

Mrs Alexander said she was nearby and ran to the scene where she saw her mother-in-law covered in blood.

"It was the most traumatic, horrific experience," she said.

Daisy had been in the family since she was a puppy.

"It never should have happened. What it takes to buy a leash for a dog or a muzzle for a dangerous dog is incomparable to the loss," she said.

"It's not just dangerous dogs, it's dangerous owners - owners who do not have control of their dogs."

Durham Police said it had launched an investigation into Daisy's death.

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