Pandemic puppies blamed for shocking 4,000% rise in dog bites as they ‘lack training’

EXCLUSIVE: Experts fear many of the “pandemic puppies” did not have proper training or socialisation during lockdown and now lack the behavioural foundations to interact with strangers

Puppies bought during the Covid lockdowns are feared to be behind a 4,000% surge in dog attacks. More than 3.2 million “pandemic puppies” were purchased during the first year of the restrictions.

Experts fear they did not have proper training or socialisation during lockdown. And as they reach adulthood, they lack the behavioural foundations to safely interact with strangers. Lawyer Andrew Twambley said: “Many of these animals missed out on vital early socialisation and structured training; as a result, we’re now seeing the consequences play out.”

A freedom of information request from his firm Injury Lawyers 4u revealed dangerous dog offences have increased by 80% nationally between 2020 and 2025, rising from 8,918 incidents to 16,081.

The figures show police are now recording an average of 44 dangerous dog offences every day, equivalent to 309 incidents every week. And the injury claim experts have witnessed a mammoth 4000+% rise in reported dog bite claims between 2021 and 2025.

A nationwide survey revealed nearly a quarter of Brits got a dog during the pandemic, with over half of those becoming dog owners for the first time.

But fewer than two in five of dog owners say they enrolled their pets in puppy training classes, while around one in 10 admit their dog does not socialise well.

More than a quarter say their dog suffers from anxiety, while 26% report aggression towards other dogs.

Poor recall impacts 24%, and nearly one in five say their dog has shown aggression directly towards people.

The data also found an increase in Dangerous Dogs Act enforcement. Dog seizures increased by 247%, rising from 530 in 2020 to 1,841 in 2025.

Mr Twambley added: “The pandemic has led to a huge surge in dog ownership across the UK, but perhaps more significantly, a staggering rise in dog-related injuries.

“Dog owners have a genuine responsibility to ensure their pets are properly trained and under control at all times. When that responsibility is not met, and someone is injured, there can be serious consequences.”