Dog Attacks in Urban Areas: How to Stay Safe

Since the number of pet dogs in urban areas is increasing, dog attacks in urban areas have also escalated recently. In Ireland, An Garda Siochána has reported more than 400 dog attacks in only the first seven months of the running year nationwide. This number was 738 in 2022 and 850 in 2023. 

From January to July, 228 dog attacks were on people, 103 on livestock and 116 dog attacks on other animals that included dogs as well. 

(Also read: Vicious Dog Attack in Dublin Leaves Woman Fighting for Her Life)

Local Fine Gael councillor, Lorraine Hall said dog attacks in urban areas are a serious matter as families and children roam around the neighbourhood. She said, “I think there’s more work to be done on licensing and approval of dogs, and regulating and restricting dog breeding”. She thinks that these endeavours with stricter law enforcement would help in reducing public complaints and dog bite accidents.

Staying safe from dog attacks has become mandatory now. Therefore, this post discusses how to avoid dog attacks in busy neighbourhoods, especially in Ireland. 

Preventive measures against dog attacks in urban areas

Dog safety guidelines for city residents 

Preventing dog attacks in cities remains a problem as stray dogs always exist. Where dogs are known to be a man’s best friend, they are still dangerous. What to do if attacked by a dog in an urban area remains a big question mark when you are not aware of how to react when encountered with one. 

Here are dog safety guidelines for city residents so that the number of dog attacks can be reduced across the country.  

• Dogs instantly know when a person gets scared. They can sense ‘fear’. Hence, the first thing a person can do after seeing a dog is to remain calm. Staying safe from dog attacks requires avoidance of eye contact. However, it might be a challenge for some. The best thing to do is to keep head down while passing by a dog and prevent staring at him.  
• Dog attacks in urban areas are easy as a person can hide behind a tree, bench or large trash can whenever the dog tries to approach. These things can serve as a barrier. It would be better to put a jacket or backpack by holding it in front of you to take support as a barrier. 
• Another tip to prevent dog attacks while walking in urban areas is to keep walking. Running is not recommended as soon as you see a dog as they would get an instinct to prey upon you and would try to chase after you. You can try backing away slowly, without making eye contact. 
• If the dog still continues to come near, making loud noises can help. Shout words like “No!” or “Go away!” without feeling scared. It might help startle the dog and preventing dog attacks in cities, for example, when you are taking a walk to the supermarket to get some groceries. 
• One more useful tip to prevent dog attacks while walking in urban areas is to use an assertive voice. It means they can sense vocal cues, as mentioned earlier. Even if you are using direct commands, the tone of the voice should reflect a sense of authority and confidence. 
• Carry a water spray bottle if you are a regular walker on urban streets. It would not hurt the dog but would be a gentle reminder to them to back off. Moreover, it would give you some time to make your next move smartly. 
• Next time you could also try changing your daily walking routes. Exploring different routes in the urban neighbourhood would reduce the chances of such encounters.
• Last but not least, get yourself familiar with canine signs of aggression. The signs include growling, snapping teeth, stiff body posture and raised fur.