New figures from the Department of Health highlight the need for tougher control on dangerous dogs. In May last year 561 people were injured so badly by a dangerous dog that they required hospital treatment. June saw 545 people needing hospital treatment and in July there were 538. This rose again in August where 565 people needed hospital treatment after being attacked. Just before Christmas Barbara William, 52, was killed when she was attacked by a Belgian mastiff in South London.

Last year proposed laws aimed at protecting people from dangerous dog attacks were abandoned as James Paice, the Agriculture Minister, scrapped the reforms which included the requirement that dogs are microchipped so that they, and their owners, can be traced.

Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh said “The Coalition is dragging its feet over dangerous dogs. Hospital admissions for dog bites are rising.”

What is clear is that tougher controls are needed. A Defra spokesman said: “We will be announcing early this year the ­Government’s approach to dangerous dogs and the lessons learned from all serious dog attacks.”

If you or a family member suffers an injury as a result of a dog attack, you may be able to make a claim. For more information about dog bite claims click here. There are strict rules for the control of certain breeds of dogs but you are not limited to claiming only when you have been attacked by a dangerous dog. It is important that you get independent expert legal advice, preferably as soon as possible.