Puppies ‘more dangerous’ after lockdown

A SPATE of non-dangerous dog breed attacks on children has prompted a Kennel Club warning that lockdown puppies must be properly socialised.

Kyra Leanne King, who was three months old, died after being mauled by a husky dog in Lincolnshire on March 6.

Bella-Rae Birch, aged 17 months, was killed by an American bully dog in Merseyside on March 21. On Monday, a twoyear-old boy was killed by a rottweiler in Worcestershire.

None of these breeds is banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The Kennel Club has warned that socialisation is “critical” in ensuring dogs do not develop dangerous behaviour.

It added that puppies bought during lockdown are at particular risk of becoming aggressive if they are not introduced to other dogs. A spokesman said: “Prevention is by the best cure and responsible breeding, adequate socialisation and environment are all critical.

“Worrying research by the Kennel Club found that many new puppy owners picked up bad habits during lockdown, with 20 per cent admitting they didn’t socialise their puppy with other dogs, people [or] outside the home.

“This increases the chances of a dog acting aggressively because they feel frightened, threatened or provoked due to an unfamiliar situation.”