The number of people who have been admitted to hospital as a result of dog attacks has shot up since lockdown, GB News can reveal.
Figures obtained under a Freedom of Information request shows more than 9,000 people were taken to wards across the country due to being bitten or struck by pooches.
Animal charities have previously attributed the rise in dangerous dog attacks to the trend of purchasing the pets during lockdowns.
RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “While dog bites are thankfully still generally quite rare, these figures show that, unfortunately, the number of hospital admissions due to dog bites are continuing to increase.
“This is not, however, surprising as we have seen an upwards trend in admissions over many years.
“It’s incredibly important that potential owners acquire their dog responsibly and we would always urge people to adopt from a reputable rehoming organisation like the RSPCA.
“Dog owners must ensure their pets are properly cared for, are happy and healthy and kept under control.
“Providing the right training and positive experiences will help shape well-rounded, friendly dogs but it’s also crucial that adults - learn how to understand dog body language and behaviour.
“This is essential so that parents and caregivers can closely supervise interactions with dogs, preventing injuries and keeping all safe and happy.”
Our figures show in 2022, 9,284 needed to go to A&E for their injuries.
This compares to 8,409 in 2021 and 7,423 the previous year, when the first lockdown was enforced.
Last year, the RSPCA claimed the increase of attacks was pandemic-related.
Dr Gaines said: “There was a boom in dog adoption during lockdown.
“And most of those dogs would have missed out on socialisation, which is key for controlling aggression.”
The 2022 figure is more than twice the amount that sought treatment from a hospital in 1998.
In 2015, it was revealed there had been a rise in dog attacks by 76 per cent in the previous decade.
It comes after campaigners have called for the Dangerous Dogs Act created in 1991 to be overhauled and tougher penalties.
The Met Police said it is dealing with at least one vicious canine a day but charges are still low.
Exclusive polling by GB News found overwhelming support for the ban of American Bully XL "killer breed" of dogs.
The breed has killed at least nine people in the past two years including 10-year-old Jack Lis, who was mauled by an eight-stone dig named Beast, and 17-month-old Bella-Rae Birch.
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