People in deprived areas of Scotland at higher risk of dog bites as numbers rise

People living in deprived areas of Scotland are at a higher risk of dog bites as numbers of medically attended incidents rise, according to research from the University of Stirling. 

The study found that incidents of dog bites and strikes were up to four times higher for individuals in more socially deprived areas, than in Scotland’s least deprived areas.  

Researchers say the findings should be a “wake-up call” for policymakers at a time of rising incidents of dog bites and strikes (DBS). They argue that prevention strategies should focus more on addressing social inequities rather than criminalisation. 

In the first such study for Scotland, researchers from the University’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Natural Sciences analysed 59,111 NHS Scotland health records from 2007 to 2019 involving injuries from dogs from NHS 24, hospital admissions and Accident and Emergency (A&E) data.  

Alongside health records, they used the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, which measures area-based deprivation in Scotland using data on income, employment, health, education, access to services, crime and housing. 

Rise in hospital admissions

The study found a rise in A&E attendances and hospital admissions, while the rates of NHS 24 calls remained relatively stable. There was a clear social gradient across all three health datasets, with income, employment, health and education found to be the driving socio-economic factors for DBS incidents in Scotland. The rate of hospital admissions was 3.9 times higher for individuals living in the most deprived areas, compared to the least deprived; the rate of NHS 24 calls was 2.5 times higher; and A&E attendances were 2.4 times higher. 

Among the highest rates of incidents were local authorities with a higher proportion of deprived areas, such as West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire and Glasgow City. However, the researchers note that even local authorities not generally seen as deprived can contain smaller pockets of deprivation where additional support may be needed. 

Strikes are classed as non-dog bite related injuries such as being pulled, knocked over or scratched by a dog. 

The rate of DBS was highest among children aged one to nine, and the most common place for dog bite incidents to take place was in the home, according to the study. Rates for children remained relatively stable over the 13 years, while rates for adults increased. 

There was variation in rates of incidents depending on the type of health records. Midlothian came top for NHS 24 calls, West Lothian showed the highest rates for hospital admission records related to DBS, while West Dunbartonshire showed the most A&E attendances. Researchers pointed out, however, that surges in data could be partly due to improvements in data collection over the 13 years, particularly in certain health boards. 

The findings come against a backdrop of rising DBS-related hospital admissions across the UK. The number of emergency hospital admissions due to dog bites in Scotland almost quadrupled between 1997/98 and 2023/24, with 300 and 1,105 admissions respectively, according to Public Health Scotland. 

Change needed

Those setting policies and prevention strategies around DBS have focused on criminalising ownership of breeds deemed to be dangerous and irresponsible owners, say the study’s authors, who claim that needs to change. 
 
Lead author Dr Jade Hooper of the University’s Faculty of Social Sciences said: “The significant social inequities we uncovered are worrying. The implications are particularly strong for Scotland, which has among the most pronounced health inequalities in the UK and Western Europe. 

“This study should be a wake-up call for policymakers and we urge a fundamental shift in public health strategy surrounding dog bites and strikes. It’s important that we recognise the wider pressures families may be facing, including financial stress, limited access to behavioural advice and support, and the challenge of safely managing dogs and children in busy households, particularly where adults may be juggling multiple responsibilities. 

“Multiple agencies need to come together, across local government, police, health services and animal welfare organisations, and prevention measures should be compassion-focused and family-centred, involving professionals such as social workers, health visitors and schools.” 

The research was funded by Economic and Social Research Council and supplemented by the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research and Electronic Data Research and Innovation Service. 

The study, Social Inequalities in Dog Bites and Strikes in Scotland: Evidence from Administrative Health Records and Implications for Prevention Policy, is published in Animals.