Attacks increased 34 per cent in the past five years.

A new investigation by the BBC has found that there has been a rise in the number of dog attacks every year since 2018, with a significant jump in both of the past two years.

Last year, the police in England and Wales responded to 21,918 cases of out-of-control dogs causing injury to a person or an assistance dog. 2018 saw 16,394 cases, meaning there has been a 34 per cent increase.

Dog attacks on other animals do not have to be recorded by the police, so are not included in the figures.

The findings of the BBC’s report are based on Freedom of Information requests made to all 43 police forces in England and Wales. 37 provided responses, meaning that the actual number of cases is likely to be higher.

The increase in the number of attacks has been accompanied by a 36 per cent rise in the number of dogs being removed from their owners by the police. The majority of dogs removed have been deemed as out of control.

The statistics cannot be fully explained by an increase in the number of dogs being kept, which has only grown by approximately 15 per cent in the last five years, according to figures provided by the PDSA.

Instead, some experts have suggested that the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns may be a factor. Paul Jameson, a specialist dog legislation officer for South Yorkshire police, told the BBC there has been an increase in the number of dogs he is dealing with since the start of the pandemic.

Mr Jameson said: "Some have not been socialised as much as dogs would have been before - in terms of puppy training or training classes. Or being used to people coming to the home address. That can impact upon the dog and create stress."

Dr Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust, believes that it is difficult to say for sure if the pandemic has increased issues with dog behaviour, but that it is a feasible explanation.

Dr Kiddie said: “The circumstances during lockdown meant that many owners found themselves unable to access in-person training and support for their dogs, and some dogs were unable to socialise with other dogs and people in the way we would like them to.

“However, there is lots of help and support available to people who brought a dog into their family over the pandemic, and it is never too late to start training with your dog.

“If an owner is concerned about their dog’s behaviour  in public,  we recommend they seek qualified behavioural advice. In the first instance, they should visit their vet who can check for any medical issues and help with referral to a qualified behaviourist.”