Figures from Avon and Somerset Police reveal a sharp increase in dangerous dog-related offences over the past decade, with reported incidents rising nearly tenfold since 2015.

The data, released under a Freedom of Information request, highlights the growing scale of dog-related incidents across the region.

In 2015, 95 offences were recorded under the Dangerous Dogs Act for owners allowing dogs to be dangerously out of control and causing injury.

By 2023, this figure had surged to 851, with 435 incidents reported in the first six months of 2024 alone. In total, 5,085 such cases have been recorded since 2015.

Arrests and voluntary interviews connected to dangerous dog offences have also risen. In 2023, 63 arrests and 327 voluntary interviews were recorded, compared to just two interviews in 2015.

The breeds linked to incidents are varied, with Staffordshire bull terriers (32 cases), German shepherds (13), and American bulldogs (10) among the most frequently reported. A category for "other dogs" accounted for 93 incidents, indicating a wide range of breeds involved.

Police have seized an increasing number of dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act. In 2023, 119 dogs were seized, including 66 under Section 3, which applies to dogs dangerously out of control. Many of these dogs were euthanised—44 in 2023 alone.

The cost of managing dangerous dogs has risen dramatically. In 2023-24, the force spent over £443,000 on kennelling and related expenses, up from £85,000 in 2014-15.

Dogs spent over 14,000 days in kennels during the last financial year, highlighting the strain on police resources.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police stated, "We are committed to reducing and minimising the risk of harm to the public from dangerous dogs. We urge all dog owners to act responsibly and ensure their pets are under control at all times."

The rising number of incidents, coupled with escalating costs, reflects growing concerns about responsible dog ownership and the enforcement of dangerous dog legislation. Avon and Somerset Police continue to urge dog owners to ensure their pets are properly controlled to prevent harm and reduce the strain on public services.

For further details, visit Avon and Somerset Police's website.