Incidence and impact of dog attacks on guide dogs in the UK: an update

Moxon, Rachel; Whiteside, H.; England, Gary C.W.

Abstract

Data on dog attacks on Guide Dogs’ stock were reviewed to investigate the characteristics of the attacks. An average of 11.2 attacks occurred each month. Nearly all of the attacks occurred in public areas, 68.4 per cent of victim dogs were qualified guide dogs and 55.5 per cent of victim dogs were working in harness when they were attacked. Guide Dogs’ stock were injured in 43.2 per cent of attacks and veterinary costs for attacks were estimated at £34,514.30. Over 40 per cent of qualified guide dogs’ working ability was affected and >20 per cent of qualified guide dogs required some time off from working after a dog attack. Twenty dogs were permanently withdrawn from the Guide Dogs’ programme as a result of dog attacks, 13 of which were qualified and working with guide dog owners at the time of the withdrawal; this resulted in a financial cost of >£600,000 to the charity. More importantly perhaps, temporary and permanent withdrawals have a significant impact upon the mobility and independence of guide dog owners and in many cases significantly impacted their emotional well-being.

Citation

Moxon, R., Whiteside, H., & England, G. C. (2016). Incidence and impact of dog attacks on guide dogs in the UK: an update. Veterinary Record, 178(15), 367-367. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.103433

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 18, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Feb 28, 2016
• Publication Date: Apr 9, 2016
• Deposit Date: Nov 22, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 22, 2016
• Journal: Veterinary Record
• Print ISSN: 0042-4900
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-7670
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 178
• Issue: 15
• Article Number: 367
• Pages: 367-367
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.103433
• Keywords: Guide dogs, Intraspecific aggression, Dog attack, Canine aggression
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/785781
• Publisher URL: http://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/178/15/367
• Additional Information: © 2016 British Veterinary Association