AN awareness campaign promoting responsible dog ownership and safe behaviour around our canine friends is relaunched on Merseyside today as the summer holidays approach.

Taking the Lead was launched in July 2023, offering safety tips to all dog owners in Merseyside about looking after their pet, especially around children, which could prevent serious injuries.

According to Merseyside Police, last year the number of incidents involving violence with injury involving dogs was 469 (an increase of 21.5 per cent compared to 2022). The number of victims under the age of 16 was 121, accounting for 26 per cent of all incidents.

Last year, there was tragically one fatal dog attack in Merseyside.

On Friday, August 18, police responded to reports that Marie Stevens, 40, had been bitten by two Rottweiler dogs on Park Lane West in Netherton.

Police officers gave Marie first aid until an ambulance arrived and took her to hospital, where she was treated and later discharged. Marie collapsed and sadly died more than two weeks later on Sunday, September 3 as a direct result of her injuries from the dog attack. Destruction orders were issued for both dogs.

In Wirral in September last year, a young boy suffered what were described by police as 'significant facial injuries' after he was attacked by a Huntaway cross breed in Oxton. Officers seized the dog, which was humanely destroyed.

The young boy's mum has described the impact the incident has had on her family and young son, both physically and mentally.

She said: "The incident left my son requiring plastic surgery to reconstruct his beautiful little face leaving him with visible scars on to his cheek, the bridge of his nose and the corner of his eye for the rest of his life.

"Along with the physical aspect of his injuries, the incident has impacted him psychologically as he has suffered major anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, dog phobia, nightmares, and flashbacks.

"My little boy completely lost all confidence and became very withdrawn and reserved. This has changed our little boy's personality completely.

"Since the incident, we have had numerous appointments including psychotherapy, plastic surgery, and counselling in the attempt for him to adapt.

"Ever since the attack he has had a number of nose bleeds which triggers flashbacks with the blood on his face and causes an ultimate set back in his progress.

"It is now almost 10 months since the incident, and we are only just beginning to see his personality come back.

"Not only has the incident had an impact on my little boy, but it's also had an impact on us as a family.

"My son who witnessed the attack has begun counselling at the age of six and us as parents have suffered with our mental health due to the impact this has had on our child.

"If I could give any advice to dog owners, please keep your dogs under control and on a lead around children.

"Although you may think your dog wouldn’t harm a person, nobody will ever know."

As part of the campaign, police and partners aim to reduce the number of dog attacks through educating dog owners and children, as well as targeted enforcement and using additional powers to keep dogs under control in public spaces.

A dog bite prevention app is also due to launch this year, which will allow frontline emergency services and NHS staff to engage with families and provide them with help and advice on how to recognise the early warning signs in dogs.

Merseyside Police Inspector Katie Wilkinson said: "We are a nation of dog lovers but, however much we love our pets, we know dog bites can happen.

"Our Taking the Lead campaign gives dog owners, of any breed, expert tips to control their dog and keep everyone safe, whether you are in a public space or at home.

"We often see a spike in the number of dog bite incidents during the summer holidays as more people and dogs interact in local outdoor places, so we would encourage everyone to be alert, aware and most importantly, safe around dogs when you are out and about, especially when with children.

"Failing to keep your dog under control can lead to the worst outcome imaginable.

"Therefore, we make no excuses for targeting those owners who use their dogs to intimidate others or allow their dogs to bite people and other animals, or cause fear of injury to other.”

Kevin Atkinson Hughes-Gandy, community engagement officer at Dogs Trust said: "It's important to remember that many parks and outdoor spaces are shared with people who may visit them for reasons other than walking their dogs, including walkers, cyclists, and families.

"If any dog owners are struggling with aspects of their dog’s behaviour, we’d recommend they seek advice and support straight away.

"There is lots of free support and advice available through our website and Behaviour Support Line, and our Dog School classes operate across Merseyside."

For more information, visit https://www.merseyside.police.uk/police-forces/merseyside-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2023/july/taking-the-lead/ or https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/ownership