West Midlands Police have reported a significant surge in dog-related incidents, responding to 800 such reports in the last six months. Some officers describe their duties as revolving around handling dangerous dog incidents throughout the day.
In a recent incident, a German Shepherd police dog named Hans charged at an individual, knocking them off their feet and biting their arm. The following guidelines can be crucial if you ever find yourself in a similar situation:
Avoid Running: “What we’d suggest is cross your arms and turn your back to them, don’t run away- if you run away then you’re [encouraging] the dog to… chase you, and you’re turning it into a game,” advises Inspector Leanne Chapman, the head of the West Midlands Police Dog Unit. Running can provoke the dog and intensify the pursuit.
Remain Calm and Still: Even when facing an attack, it’s crucial to remain as still as possible. Inspector Chapman explains, “If the dog is biting you, try to keep as still as possible and don’t try to fight with the dog.” Resisting or struggling can escalate the situation.
Seek Assistance: If someone else is present, they can attempt to help by holding the dog’s collar to reduce the potential for further injury. While doing so, the primary objective is to minimize harm.
These guidelines can prove invaluable when confronted with a dangerous dog, as the West Midlands Police continue to experience a surge in dog-related incidents. It’s important to remember that maintaining composure and following these steps may help prevent more severe injuries during such encounters.
