Mersey and West Lancashire rank second in UK for dog-bite hospital admissions
Latest figures show significant rise in admissions with advice from legal expert
Last updated 18th Sep 2026
Recent NHS data has revealed that Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust recorded the second-highest number of dog-bite admissions in England last year, with 586 cases reported in 2025.
Only the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust recorded more admissions, tallying 657 incidents.
Overall, England saw dog bites and attacks result in 10,808 hospital admissions in 2025, marking a near 29% increase since 2021.
The demographic most affected involved individuals aged 65 and older, accounting for 2,255 admissions—a 43% rise over five years.
Legal expert Henry Nydam from John Fowlers advises victims to seek immediate medical attention, document injuries, and collect evidence following an attack.
Nydam said, “A dog bite can be painful in the literal sense, but it can also be a painful process to get justice because the keeper’s liability depends on the circumstances of the case.”
He added that liability may fall not only on the dog's registered owner but also on the handler at the time of the incident.
Nydam outlined the potential for civil and criminal claims, noting compensation may cover pain and suffering, psychological injury, medical expenses, and financial losses.
He also encouraged dog owners involved in biting incidents to secure their animal promptly, ensure necessary medical care for the victim, and consult insurers.
As dog-bite admissions continue to climb, public awareness and legal preparedness play crucial roles in addressing, preventing, and adjudicating such cases.
Here is the report: https://www.johnfowlers.co.uk/