Dog-on-dog attacks were reported to police once a week on average in Norfolk last year, new data has revealed.
The number of cases where a dog attacked another dog has been on the rise since 2021, with 2025 showing the highest number of incidents reported to Norfolk Constabulary in five years.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the force has revealed there were a total of 52 incidents in 2025, a 73pc increase of 30 reported in 2021.
In 2022, there were 33 cases, whereas in 2023, there were 43, and in 2024, there were 46 reported to police.
And by July this year, the force had already received more than 30 reports of dog attacks across the county.
Experts have made the link between the rise of dog attacks and behaviour problems in puppies which were bought during the coronavirus pandemic.
Many dogs missed out on "vital socialisation "and owners did not have access to support, such as puppy training classes.
Dogs left in critical condition
Some of the dog attacks in recent years left pets with severe injuries and in need of life-saving surgery, while their owners are left with staggering vet bills.
In January last year, Ewelina Switaj had taken her dog Kostek out for a walk near their home in Bowthorpe, when he was attacked by a Staffie.
Kostek was left unresponsive and he was rushed to Taverham Vets.
The Maltese mix had his pancreas removed following the attack and Miss Switaj was left with £7,000 vet bill for the life-saving treatment Kostek needed.
A few months later, a couple were walking their Jack Russell when it was attacked by another dog off the lead in Terrington St John, near King's Lynn.
The dog was left "seriously injured" and also in need of life-saving surgery.
In January this year, Keely Butler was walking her dog Barney - a 12-year-old Staffie - along Walcott beach and past the Poacher's Pocket pub when he was attacked by a husky.
Barney was left with serious cuts to his ears which required stitches and Ms Butler with an £800 vet bill.
What experts say
Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA dog welfare expert and dog control lead, said the Covid pandemic and lockdown had a major impact on the behaviour of dogs due to missing out on "vital socialisation" as puppies.
“There are millions of dogs living in the UK and figures suggest around half of all households have a pet dog, so while these figures are concerning it’s important to remember that most dogs will live harmoniously among us - and alongside other dogs - without any incidents or concerns," she explained.
“Lockdown meant many puppies and young dogs missed out on vital socialisation and owners didn’t have access to support, such as puppy training classes, which has led to a generation of dogs who may not understand how to socialise with others.
"Unfortunately, research has shown that the owners of puppies bought during the pandemic have struggled with unwanted behaviour problems and the prevalence appears greater than in other populations of dogs.
“We’d like to remind dog owners that they should always keep their dogs under control when out in public - either with a reliable recall or keeping them on a lead or muzzled - and would urge owners to speak to their vet or a clinical animal behaviourist if they’re concerned about their dog’s behaviour."
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