Police callouts to dog attacks at five-year high

Dog bites and other canine crimes are at their highest level in five years, new figures show.

Freedom of information data shows police were alerted to 744 dog-related incidents in 2021 which resulted in 444 arrests or criminal charges.

But in 2025 this rose to 880 callouts – more than two every day – which led to 567 cases of further action.

On average, around two thirds (60%) of all police responses result in someone being reported to prosecutors.

Legal experts fear the new figures show more needs done to tackle bad dog ownership.

Robert Kernaghan, Partner in our Dundee office, said: “A record rise in police callouts around dog attacks and other crimes is a real concern because of what it means for public safety.

“Puncture wounds, permanent muscle damage and disfiguring facial injuries are common life-long injuries people can suffer after a dog attack, not to mention the psychological impact that many people, especially children, may carry for years or decades later.

“While some wounds can heal it would be better to prevent attacks happening in the first place.

“Mandatory pet insurance and licensing is often discussed but very little action is ever taken over fears it unfairly affects families who are already responsible and adds to the already-expensive duty of keeping a pet.

“But when we see nearly 1,000 dog-related crimes every year, with most incidents also resulting in criminal action, it’s clear something needs to change.

“If authorities are not willing to tackle the issue head-on they at least need to have a provision in place to help victims get the support they deserve.

“Doing nothing on both fronts simply doesn’t work, is not fair and is not sustainable for a safer future.”

The data from Police Scotland was revealed as part of the law firm’s probe into the number of dog attacks where owners do not have pet insurance.

Force chiefs provided two sets of data for each year between 2021 and 2025.

Recorded data related to the total number of reports received for incidents such as dogs biting people, dogs attacking other dogs, sheep worrying and dogs being out of control.

Detected data then related to the number of times further action was taken after the initial report, such as arresting a dog owner or reporting them to prosecutors for further consideration.

Dog breeds behind the incidents are unknown and it is not known how many owners were actually convicted of crimes or how many animals were destroyed after the incident.

The data also does not include illegal puppy farms or other instances related to dog breeding or selling.

Robert added: “The police data shows around 60 per cent of people face criminal action but bite victims don’t need a conviction to access support in the civil courts.

“The responsibility for a dog attack or dog bite will generally fall on the dog’s owner or whoever was in control of the dog at the time of the incident and damages are most commonly recovered from pet or home insurance.

“It’s dealing with the people who do not have any kind of insurance that’s the issue as it leaves the victim in an unfair position due to the challenges it presents in accessing the best medical treatment or counselling resources they should be entitled to.”