According to a report from the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association, there has been a 54% increase in dog attacks in England over the last year.
Animal welfare experts have been placing the blame of the attacks on dog owners themselves, with the main reason being unsocialised dogs off their leads.
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a puppy explosion as nearly 3.2 million households have bought a dog in lockdown.
However, due to social distancing and staying indoors, this has led to many dogs becoming unsocialised when out walking.
Ali Smith, a dog trainer from Rebarkable, thinks that dogs need good interactions with others before being allowed off the lead.
“All dogs do need time off lead, and if the owner has a good recall and can get the dogs attention easily then that makes the dog safer.
“But that’s not always the case and everyone should have a right to walk their dog down a street or in a park, and not be disturbed, or have to worry about another dog approaching them.
“There does need to be some sort of awareness, or training that dog owners can go on to ensure dogs are safer.”
“Some owners seem to think because they have a dog it has to be off lead, but there needs to be a good foundation and training before that happens.”
Zoe Blake is a veterinary nurse who set up a campaign called Respect The Lead in 2018, after she witnessed a dog attack between a dog on the lead and one off.
“I set up the campaign to raise awareness for all dog owners, that a dog kept on a lead for whatever reason, should have people with dogs off the leads stopping theirs from rushing over.”
“Dogs do need to have their free time off the lead, but there is a lack of training and people should be more mindful when out on walks.”
“Training a dog is like us learning, it’s a lifelong thing and making sure owners can spot situations ahead and avoid them or keep meetings between dogs brief is key to stopping the issue.”
With dog attacks increasing year-on-year, many councils and parks have placed bans on walking dogs off leads.
There is currently a petition to try and change legislation around the problem.
Click here to find out more about Respect The Lead and any advice on controlling your dog.
