Deaths by dog bite or strike 2010 to 2023

FOI REF: FOI-2023-1426

You asked

I would like to know the number of dog-related deaths, ages of the deceased and dog breed involved between 2010 and the present date.

We said

Thank you for your request. 

We are responsible for the production of mortality statistics for deaths registered in England and Wales.  

Causes of death are certified in most cases by a doctor, who records the sequence of medical conditions and relevant events leading to, or contributing to, the death, based on the deceased's healthcare records and other available information, such as laboratory tests or post-mortem investigation. Some deaths are certified by a coroner who determines the causes of death following an inquest, based on all the available evidence. It is unusual for wider contextual factors such as dog breed to be recorded on the death certificate.

We are able to supply you with the figures for deaths where the underlying cause of death was recorded as being bitten or struck by a dog for the years 2010 - 2023. Please see the associated download named 'Deaths caused by dog bite or strike 2010 to 2023'.