The number of dog attacks resulting in injuries across the United Kingdom has surged by more than 80 percent since 2020, according to newly released figures. Data obtained by the Daily Mirror reveals that police-recorded offences of out-of-control dogs causing injury have climbed from 16,040 in 2020 to 29,400 last year, marking an alarming 83 percent increase.
Continued Rise Despite Ban
The upward trend persists despite the implementation of a ban on the XL bully breed in February 2024. London recorded the highest number of dog attacks in 2025, with the Metropolitan Police logging 2,530 cases. Greater Manchester Police recorded the second highest total, with 1,678 incidents.
Tragic Incidents in April 2026
Earlier this month, a three-month-old girl named Maggie-May Ann Moody died after being bitten by a dog in Dormanstown, near Redcar, Cleveland, on April 9. Armed police attended the scene and shot one dog, while another was euthanized later. In a statement released through Cleveland Police, her family expressed profound grief: "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 subsequently released on conditional bail.
Two other fatalities occurred this month alone. A 19-year-old woman, Jamie-Lea Biscoe, died after a dog attack at her home in Leaden Roding, Essex. An inquest heard that she sustained serious traumatic injuries to her neck and was discovered by her father in an upstairs bedroom. Additionally, 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.
Regional Disparities and Breed-Specific Legislation
The data underscores significant regional variations, with urban areas like London and Greater Manchester bearing the brunt of incidents. The XL bully ban, introduced under the Dangerous Dogs Act, was intended to reduce attacks by this specific breed, but the overall numbers continue to climb. Critics argue that breed-specific legislation may be insufficient and call for broader measures, including stricter enforcement of existing laws and better owner education.
Animal welfare organizations emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership, proper training, and socialization to prevent attacks. Meanwhile, police forces are urging the public to report any concerning dog behavior and to ensure their pets are kept under control in public spaces.
