LAUSR

Introduction: This study aimed to describe the incidence and demographics of fatal dog bites or strikes, as defined in English and Welsh mortality data (2001-2021). Methods: Data from the Office for National Statistics registered deaths dataset were used to identify individuals whose cause of death was defined as: bitten or struck by a dog. The average annual number of dog-related deaths and trends in incidence were calculated. Age and sex demographics of victims were described. Results: There were 3.3 (95%CI 0.3-6.3) dog-related deaths per year, a mean annual incidence of 0.59 (95%CI 0.06-1.11) deaths per 10 million population. There was no obvious trend in incidence. Of victims, 59% were male, 10% were <5 years, and 30% were more than 75 years. Discussion: Dog-related deaths are rare in England and Wales and have not increased between 2001 and 2021. Further contextual information about the incidents is needed to be able to develop public health strategies and interventions.