Cleveland Police have told Stockton-on-Tees councillors that the number of people injured by so-called dangerous dogs has more than doubled over the past five years, placing pressure on local kennels and enforcement resources.
Rising injuries, more seizures
Figures presented to a Stockton Council select committee reviewing animal welfare, kennelling and pet protection show the force recorded 189 injuries in 2020–21, rising to 533 in the most recent year. During that period officers seized 137 dogs.
| Year | Injury incidents | Dogs seized |
|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | 189 | Not specified |
| Most recent year | 533 | 137 |
PC Chris Lambert told the committee the force believed part of the rise was down to better identification of offences, but that the overall dog population had also increased.
"We identify these offences far better than we ever did, but a lot of it is because the dog population is increasing."
Kennels stretched and stays shortened
Councillors heard Cleveland Police had a contract for just 24 kennels to hold dogs seized in connection with injury incidents. That limited capacity meant not every dog could be removed from a scene.
Whereas seized animals previously spent well over 200 days in kennels three years ago, officers told the committee the current average stay is around 44 days, reflecting both efforts to speed up casework and the need to free kennel space.
- Injury incidents recorded by Cleveland Police climbed from 189 to 533.
- 137 dogs were seized in the latest reporting year.
- Contracted kennels number 24; average kennelling time fell from over 200 days to 44.
Local implications
The figures relate specifically to incidents involving injury and do not capture the wider issue of nuisance or anti‑social dog behaviour, which council services and neighbourhood teams continue to manage. The pressure on kennel capacity has implications for both animal welfare and the speed with which cases can be resolved, affecting victims, owners and dogs themselves.
Council members conducting the review are now considering the operational and policy implications, including whether additional kennelling agreements, clearer guidance for owners and more resources for enforcement are needed. The committee heard that dog ownership carries an "ultimate responsibility" for the owner when incidents occur.
Local residents concerned about specific animal welfare or public safety issues should contact Cleveland Police or Stockton Council through their usual reporting channels so incidents are recorded and can be addressed.
