The number of kids under five needing cosmetic surgery after dog attacks has soared by almost a THIRD.
Last year’s shock total of 413 savaged victims was up 29 per cent on a decade ago. Another 340 youngsters aged five to nine also needed similar treatment.
They were among a record 3,275 people in England who had cosmetic ops including reconstructive surgery, skin repair or stitches for dog bites.
Last year there were 8,067 NHS hospital appointments for such injuries, up a massive 72 per cent from 4,699 ten years ago.
The figures for the attacks – many carried out by families’ own pets – were uncovered by the Sunday Mirror using Freedom of Information laws.
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They prove that attacks are still taking place despite tough new sentences for owners.
In 2016 the minimum jail term for a death caused by a dangerous dog was increased to six years.
Hollie Sevenoaks of the Dogs Trust charity said: “Education about safety is the first step to preventing incidents.”
The charity runs a nationwide scheme called Be Dog Smart which has reached over 300,000 children this year.”
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