Rise in XL Bully and dangerous dog incidents down to pandemic pet increase, says county's top cop
The rise in dangerous dog incidents is down to the massive increase in irresponsible pet owners during the Covid pandemic, Staffordshire Police's top cop has claimed.
Force chiefs and Staffordshire Police and Fire Commissioner Ben Adams discussed the issue at this week's Public Performance Review meeting.
Staffordshire Police recently confirmed an internal review is underway into its prior interactions with two XL Bully dogs that killed father Ian Price in Stonnall last month.
Chief Constable Chris Noble said: "Recently, in Staffordshire, we have seen the devastating consequences dog attacks can have.
"Detectives continue to investigate the tragic death of Ian Price in Stonnall.
"Senior officers review incidents involving dogs every morning."
He added: "In the last 12 months, there were 532 crimes relating to dangerous dogs injuring people or assistance dogs, which is an increase of 22 per cent (96). High volumes were reported in May (58) and August (60).
