A Plaid Cymru Senedd Member has raised the issue of community safety in the Senedd in the wake of another fatal dog attack in his region.
Peredur Owen Griffiths, who represents the South Wales East region, was speaking after the death of a nine-month-old baby boy in Rogiet, Monmouthshire over the weekend.
In November 2021, 10-year-old Jack Lis died after an attack by an XL Bully dog in Penyrheol. Pensioner Shirley Patrick, also from Penyrheol, was mauled to death by an XL Bully cross Cane Corso breed the following year.
During a topical question in the Senedd, Peredur said this was a “deeply distressing incident” and sent his condolences to the family of the baby.
Addressing the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, Peredur said: “The investigation…is ongoing, and we are yet to learn the breed of the dog involved in the attack, and it wouldn't be appropriate for you to comment on that investigation.
“Nevertheless, we know that admissions to hospitals as a result of dog bites are on the rise in Wales. Indeed, a University of Liverpool study shows dog bite admissions in Wales nearly doubled between 2014 and 2022, with the most incidents occurring in the home.
“In my region, there have been a number of fatalities and serious dog attacks since my election in 2021.
“This is why I've previously called on the Government to introduce measures to promote community safety as far as responsible dog ownership is concerned.”
He added: “Can you let this Senedd know, as well as the many animal welfare groups watching that are also concerned about the rise in dog attacks in Wales, what has been achieved and whether you're confident that measures taken will lead to enhanced community safety?”
In response, the Minister replied: “There's many things that we need to keep building on; and all this is brought together, I have to say, in the responsible ownership forums that we bring together, when all those people sit around and say, 'What more can we do?'
“Because we cannot be complacent on this.”