Calls for police to reconsider destroying dogs after attacks

The data was collected between January 2022 and May 1, 2023.

Dogs are 'destroyed humanely' by a qualified vet, but calls have been made to reconsider ending an animal's life. 

Reactive Dogs UK founder Nic Crampton, from Dorset, said “prevention is better than cure” and feared dogs were being destroyed “without due process”. 

When asked if police should be able to destroy dogs, she said: “If a dog is actively caught causing a fatality, and there is a real, immediate threat to life, then, with a very heavy heart, I would say yes. 

Dorset Police has been called to more than 200 incidents of dog attacks since the beginning of 2022 (Image: Pixabay)

“But even then I doubt myself, wondering what triggered the dog to behave that way and whether something else could be done.    

“Could the dog be assessed? Could the dog be housed by a truly suitable person? In extreme situations, most likely, the dog should be captured or tranquilised and then euthanised.

She added: “Obviously, Dorset Police had their reasons for the nine destructions and as I have no knowledge of the context I cannot possibly say how these particular incidents could have been avoided.  

“But I have worked with reactive dogs for over 13 years and recently presented in parliament about the effectiveness of professional intervention.” 

Nicky Crowe, of charity Dorset Dogs, said: "We believe that in most cases, with an owner willing to invest the time and money in supporting and addressing their dog’s needs, there is hope for all dogs to live happy, fulfilling lives without posing a ‘danger’ to society.

Police say destroying a dog is the 'last resort' (Image: Pixabay)

"Since 2020 there has been a significant increase in the number of dogs. In Dorset, we see evidence of this every day.

"Public spaces are busy with adult and children’s recreational pursuits and more dogs being exercised.

"Everywhere is overcrowded, and this is being compounded further by the increasing number of restricted areas where dogs are not welcome offlead.

"In these circumstances, more dogs in less space, even the most docile dog, can be triggered to behave unsociably."

A spokesman for Dorset Police said all alternative avenues are explored before a dog is destroyed, saying it is a “last resort”. 

He added: “Reasons for a dog being destroyed can include at the owner’s request after an incident, if a dog has been seized and it is deemed so dangerous that it poses a risk to the public and kennel staff, if a court order has been imposed or if a vet has authorised for welfare reasons.  

“Dogs are destroyed humanely by a qualified vet.”

NHS data shows there were about 110 episodes of patients being treated in hospital for dog bites in the former NHS Dorset CCG in the year to March 2023 – up from 100 the year before.