Dog attacks and dangerous behaviour on the rise in Devon and Cornwall
FOI reveals increasing incidents in South Devon and East Cornwall
A Freedom of Information request to police has revealed dog-related offences have increased across Devon and Cornwall.
The data, from 2021 to 2025, shows South Devon and East Cornwall local policing areas (LPA) recorded the highest number of dog attacks and incidents of dogs being dangerously out of control.
The report covers offences ranging from causing injury, worrying livestock, to complaints of dogs not being under proper control.
A total of 5,266 incidents were reported, with monthly figures fluctuating over the years, peaking in months like April 2024/25 with 111 reports.
Reports indicate significant variations across local police areas with South Devon LPA topping the list with a total of 1,079 recorded incidents, followed by East Cornwall at 937.
Females were identified as victims more frequently than males, with 2,580 cases involving women compared to 2,142 cases involving men.
Victims varied in age, but the largest demographic was the 46-55 age group, reflecting 866 incidents.
Outcomes of these offences greatly ranged from no suspect being identified to evidential difficulties, and community resolutions.
The complete breakdown of cases shines light on the ongoing challenges in handling dog-related incidents.