Serious surgeries on rise after dog attacks
ALMOST 3,000 cosmetic surgeries were carried out by the NHS last year on victims of dog attacks, it emerged just days after the death of a 10-year-old boy.
Jack Lis was killed by an 8st pitbull-type dog, nicknamed the Beast, at a home in Caerphilly, south Wales, on Monday.
The dog was sold online just days before the attack, over fears it was so ferocious it would go for other animals.
New figures for NHS England last year show how widespread animal attacks have become. On average, there were eight procedures a day, including skin repair or reconstructive surgery, on dog bite victims.
The greatest number – 380 – was carried out on babies and toddlers under five.
Children aged five to nine was the second largest group, with 368 operations.
In 10 years the number of plastic surgery operations after dog attacks has increased by 14 per cent. And last year there were 7,443 NHS appointments in England for people who had been bitten, up 22 per cent in a decade.
Jack is the latest of many youngsters killed by dogs. In 2019, nine-year-old Frankie Macritchie bled to death after he was bitten 54 times by a 7st American bull
dog-staffordshire cross. He had been left in a caravan with the animal while his mum was partying with the dog’s owner in another caravan on the site in Cornwall.
Both women were jailed. It emerged the dog had been involved in a number of other incidents, when it had bitten or threatened people.
In the US, it is estimated that the cost of treating dog bites is more than £745million a year.
RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “While dog bites are still rare, these NHS figures show the number of hospital admissions continues to increase.
“It’s incredibly important that owners ensure their pets are properly cared for and are happy and healthy. Providing the right training and positive experiences will help shape well-rounded, friendly dogs.
“It’s crucial that people – specifically children – learn how to have positive interactions with dogs and understand their body language and behaviour. Parents should always supervise children when interacting with dogs and react if it shows any signs of being uncomfortable.”
The Dogs Trust said: “Injuries caused by dogs can be extremely distressing. But it’s important to remember the majority of people live harmoniously with their pets.
“No matter how well behaved your dog is, never leave it alone with your child, carefully monitor interactions and intervene before worrying situations escalate.”