Number Of Dog Attacks Causing Injury In UK Increases By 83 Since 2020

Dog attacks resulting in injuries across the UK have increased by more than 80% since 2020.

Figures obtained by the Daily Mirror show offences of out-of-control dog attacks causing injury recorded by police have risen from 16,040 in 2020 to 29,400 last year – a rise of 83%.

The number of attacks has continued to rise despite a ban of the XL bully breed, which came into force in February 2024.

London saw the highest number of dog attacks in 2025, with the Metropolitan Police recording 2,530 cases.

Greater Manchester Police recorded the second highest total with 1,678 attacks.

Earlier this month a three-month-old girl died after being bitten by a dog.

Maggie-May Ann Moody died on April 9 in Dormanstown, near Redcar, Cleveland.

Armed police attended and shot a dog at the property, with another being put down later.

In a statement issued to Cleveland Police, her family said: “Maggie changed us in so many ways.

“She was everything to us. She gave us meaning and purpose every day, and we feel empty.

“As parents and a family, we have been robbed of a beautiful lifetime and memories with her.

“Our lives will never be the same again, she will always be in our hearts.”

Two men, aged 36 and 45, and a 31-year-old woman were arrested and have been released on conditional bail.

Two other people have been killed in dog attacks this month.

A 19-year-old woman died after a dog attacked her at her home and she sustained serious traumatic injuries to her neck, an inquest heard.

Jamie-Lea Biscoe was discovered by her father in an upstairs bedroom at the address in the village of Leaden Roding, Essex.

A man was arrested after a woman in her 70s died following an attack by two dogs at a house in Wolverhampton on April 15.

Published: 25/04/2026 by Radio NewsHub