A LEADING charity has called for new laws to reduce the rapidly rising number of dog bite incidents.

According to new figures, Durham, Darlington and Teesside have the second highest rate of hospital admissions as a result of dog bites in the country, and Dogs Trust is calling for action.

A report released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre says dog bites accounted for 294 hospital admissions across Durham, Darlington and Teesside between March 2014 and February 2015.

Only Merseyside had higher rates with 322 admissions.

Commenting on behalf of Dogs Trust, dog law specialist, Trevor Cooper said: “Dogs Trust is deeply concerned by the rising number of dog bites and strikes.

“It is especially worrying to learn that the number of hospital admissions for dog related injuries is highest among the zero to nine age group.

“Dogs Trust remains frustrated that legislation focusing on issues around dangerous dogs and dog attacks remains ineffective at preventing these incidents happening in the first place.”

Discussing preventative methods, Mr Cooper added: “Dogs Trust is focused on preventive measures that keep children and adults safe around dogs.

“The charity has recently launched Be Dog Smart, an education campaign that offers dog safety workshops.

“It is the responsibility of dog owners to ensure their dogs are properly trained and socialised and Dogs Trust advises that young children should never be left alone with a dog.”

According to the HSCIC report, young children aged zero to nine were the most vulnerable age group to dog inflicted injuries, while wrist and hand wounds were the most common injury throughout all age groups.

Hospital admission rates for males aged between ten and 39 were found to be higher than for females, but this was reversed in adults over 40 where more females were admitted to hospital for bite related injuries.

Speaking about the most common injuries, a spokesman for NHS Choices said: “In adults, most animal bites are to the hands, arms, legs or feet. As children are smaller, most bites are to the face – usually their lips, nose or cheek.”

The HSCIC report also concludes that dog bites are at least three times higher in deprived areas of the country, with 24 people admitted on average per 100,000 in the most deprived areas, compared to eight per 100,000 in the least deprived.