With a record number of people being hospitalised or killed, we investigate...WHEN DOGS ATTACK

It’s every parent’s, and dog owner’s, nightmare, but sadly, the number of dog attacks each year in the UK is rising. In 2022, a record 10 people – including four children – were fatally bitten by a dog.

- MISHAAL KHAN, JILL FOSTER

It’s still not clear exactly why we’re seeing bigger numbers than ever before and, most recently, the tragic deaths of four-year-old Alice Stones and 28-year-old Natasha Johnston, who were both killed in separate attacks by dogs, caused shock waves. Woman’s Own speaks to one mother about the impact a dog attack had on her young daughter, and investigates what needs to be done to prevent more of these incidents occurring.

Powerful breed

An extremely powerful breed that has been known to kill, American Bully XLs are dogs that have made headlines recently. In July 2022 mum-of-two Joanne Robinson was mauled to death by her pet Bully XL, Rocco. XLs are known for their considerable size – they tend to be around 48-58cm in height and weigh 45-54kg+. They are legal to own in the UK and are not subject to any prohibitions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

‘It launched at her face’ 

Jill Foster, 48, is a writer. She lives with her husband Rob, 52, and 10-year-old twins Martha and Charlotte in Halifax. 

As we stepped inside the kitchen of the 19th-century cottage where we had been invited to a summer barbecue, the smell of burgers filled the air. Smoke was wafting in from the garden, drinks were being poured and everyone was in a jolly mood.

It was July 2016 and my husband Rob and I were at our neighbour’s house along with our twin daughters Martha and Charlotte, then four.