Thousands of people are attacked by domestic dogs every year and a recent survey has revealed that 43% of school children have been bitten by a dog.
These statistics have led to new research by scientists at Lincoln University and following this, scientists have warned that the reason behind most attacks on children is because they are unable to recognize the signs of a dog becoming aggressive. Tests have revealed that children up to the age of six believe that a dog is ‘smiling’ when baring its teeth and that children only look at a dog’s mouth and ignore other signs of aggression that adults can clearly see.
The full results of the research will be revealed and discussed at the World Safety Conference taking place in London. Dr Kerstin Meints, one of the Psychologists involved in the study said: “When we probed a bit further, the children thought the dogs were happy and you could give them a hug and a kiss. That’s quite scary, obviously. The message needs to get out to parents, so they know their children can misunderstand dogs’ faces.”
The tests and research have led to the development and creation of a computer game called ‘The Blue Dog’ which is hoped will teach children when to leave dogs alone and reduce the number of attacks dramatically.
There have been many cases of young children being savagely attacked by dogs, one of which was 4 year old Holly Limbrick who was bitten by the dog of a family friend as she tried to kiss the animal goodbye. Holly’s mum said that the attack has had a lasting effect on her daughter and said: “If we see big dogs, she asks whether they’re friendly which has never happen before. We have to walk across the road to avoid them.”
Dog attacks are on the increase and can result in serious injuries, both physical and psychological. Anyone who suffers injuries as a result of a dog bite may be entitled to make a dog attack claim against the owner for compensation if their negligence has led to the attack. If you have been attacked and injured by a dog or any other animal it is vital that you seek advice from specialist personal injury lawyers such as ourselves who will give you free, comprehensive advice as to whether you can make a claim.
