02 February 2023 , 16:13
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Home Secretary Suella Braverman has commissioned urgent advice on banning the American XL bully breed after “appalling” footage shows a child being attacked by a crazed dog - and we want to know what YOU think should be done.
The 11-year-old girl and two men were rushed to hospital following the attack in Bordesley Green, Birmingham, on Saturday afternoon. Horrific video footage showed the moment the youngster was bitten before running into a nearby supermarket for safety.
The animal’s owner could be seen in the footage desperately trying to bring the dog under control. But the hound then chased a man across the street into a neighbouring petrol station forecourt and dragged him to the ground.
A hero bystander swung a shovel at the animal but was unable to stop it attacking a third man. The shocking video, filmed from the upper deck of a bus, ended as the dog pulled the man behind a parked car.
The Home Secretary said: “The American XL bully is a clear and lethal danger to our communities, particularly children. We can’t go on like this. I have commissioned urgent advice on banning them.”
Girl, 4, mauled to death in dog attack pictured as neighbours hear mum's screams
The number of dog attacks recorded by police has increased sharply in recent years, with a BBC investigation reporting a rise of more than a third in England and Wales over the past five years.
Meanwhile, shocking figures have revealed that the total number of hospitalisations following dog attacks have nearly doubled from 4,699 in 2007/8 to 9,336 in 2022/23. An average of four dog bites involving children occur every day in the UK.
Fatalities from dog attacks have rapidly risen too, and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) have said the growth of recorded incidents is due to increased police focus on the crime. Canine attacks are clearly escalating - but what exactly is fuelling them?
If you can't see the poll, click HERE.
It has been claimed the rise could be down to families buying dogs during lockdown and the pets not being socialised properly. Deputy chief constable, Robert Carden, who leads the dangerous dogs working group, told the Guardian: “It is difficult to know the reasons for this, but it could be attributed to dogs bought during lockdown who missed out on key socialisation and have then become too difficult to handle in maturity.”
Rosie Bescoby, a clinical animal behaviourist, told Sky News that further problems were caused by unqualified dog trainers on social media potentially fuelling aggression through 'a kind of DIY approach to potentially quite dangerous problems'.
Whatever the cause, experts largely agree something has definitely changed in the way humans and dogs interact. RSPCA dog specialist Dr Sam Gaines believes the spike in attacks could be linked to the UK’s list of banned dogs, with Brits assuming any breed omitted as being safe. She pointed out that 'any dog' has the potential to be dangerous.
The Mirror has been campaigning for changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act in the wake of a string of fatalities, as well as proper enforcement of rules to stop the illegal and irresponsible breeding and selling of dogs. We also want the Government to launch a public information campaign to promote responsible dog ownership and the need for training.
What do YOU think can be done to stop dog attacks? More help from local authorities with training? More banned breeds?
Take the poll above and expand on your answer in the comments section below.
Dog shot dead by police after mauling girl, 4, to death in horror attack