Tulloch, John 
ORCID: 0000-0003-2150-0090, Ahearne, Gemma ORCID: 0000-0003-2421-1227, Moxey-Butler, Jasmine and McNally, James
(2025)
Using civil claim enquiry data to understand the context and impact of dog-related injuries in England and Wales between 2017 and 2024
[Preprint]
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4> Dog-related injuries, particularly bites, are a growing public health concern, yet key context for effective prevention remains limited. This study takes a novel approach by analysing civil claims enquiry data to describe the context and impact of dog bite and non-bite incidents in England and Wales. <h4>Methods</h4> Descriptive analysis of anonymised civil claims enquiry data from 2017 to 2024. Demographic and injury consequences were compared between bite and non-bite incidents using Chi2 and Mann-Witney U tests. <h4>Results</h4> A total of 816 incidents (842 claims) were analysed; 91.3% were dog bites, 6.7% dog strikes. Bites occurred outside of residential properties (40.9%) or on public highways or pavements (22.0%). Non-bite incidents were in public spaces (44.3%) or public highways or pavements (38.6%). Delivery workers accounted for 32.4% of victims. Most dogs were off lead at the time of injury (80.2% bites, 85.7% non-bites). Fractures occurred in 72.7% of non-bite incidents. Mental illness followed in 15.1% of bite cases and 10.0% of non-bites; 6.5% were diagnosed with a specific phobia, 4.1% with post-traumatic stress disorder. Work absence was reported in 59.5% of bites, whilst 54.3% reported lost earnings. <h4>Discussion</h4> Civil claims data offer valuable insights into the burden and context of dog-related injuries. Dog strikes, though less common, often result in severe injury. Most public incidents involve unrestrained dogs. This work provides emerging evidence of the psychological impact of dog-related injuries. <h4>Conclusions</h4> We present a novel methodology for contextual injury research and highlight the need to assess enforceable dog lead use on highways and certain public spaces. <h4>What is already known on this topic</h4> Dog-related injuries, particularly bites, are recognised as a growing public health concern. Contextual information critical for prevention strategies is limited, with a focus on injuries within the home. This study proposes a new methodology, of analysing legal claims data, to identify contextual injury information. <h4>What this study adds</h4> We now know that most public dog-related injuries occur when a dog is unrestrained. Dog strike-related injuries are likely to be more severe than previously thought. For the first time, we show the degree of psychological trauma resultant of these injuries. <h4>How might this study affect research, practice, or policy</h4> This study supports an exploration of legislative change to mandate lead usage in certain public spaces, reducing off-lead incidents and improving public safety. More research is needed into the psychological consequences of dog-related trauma and what patient support is needed.
| Item Type: | Preprint |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 3505 Human Resources and Industrial Relations, 35 Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services, Physical Injury - Accidents and Adverse Effects, Injuries and accidents, 3 Good Health and Well Being |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Infection, Vet & Ecological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 10 Jun 2025 09:43 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Jan 2026 23:15 |
| DOI: | 10.1101/2025.06.05.25329033 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.06.05.25329033 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3193146 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
Altmetric
Altmetric