Austerity and the cost of living crisis fuelling a rise in dog attacks on social workers

Social workers are being urged to share their experiences of dangerous dogs after a spate of attacks involving professionals and those they care for.

Researchers at the University of Chichester describe instances where dogs have been ‘weaponised’ as a means of intimidating social workers.

One participant in the ongoing study described needing surgery and a month off work after being attacked by a dog in a family they had been working with over an extended period.

In other cases, attacks on children have been reported. One child was bitten near their eye, leading to their foster carers being deregistered.

Cases highlighted in the news recently include social worker Charlotte Orr who was attacked by a dog on a home visit causing permanent disfigurement, and Leila Annikici Karhu, struck off after a child in her care was attacked by dogs.

Austerity and the cost of living crisis are believed to be major factors fuelling the rise in dog attacks. Dogs in homes visited by social workers may be hungry or in pain from undiagnosed conditions because owners can’t afford to take them to the vets.

Dr Denise Turner, operational head of social work at the University of Chichester who is leading the study, said: “This has obvious implications for social work practice, as dogs in homes visited by social workers may be hungry, or owners may be unable to pay the high costs of vet bills, leaving dogs in undiagnosed pain.

“Where dogs are living in these, or similar conditions, they are much more likely to be ‘trigger stacked’ leading to potentially aggressive behaviours.”

Participants described owners using dogs as a means of intimidation on home visits, making it almost impossible to focus on the purpose of the visit.

One said: “You can… ask somebody to put the dog away which then highlights your vulnerabilities so that they can then sort of use it against you.”

Another said: “Being a dog owner, you assume you are knowledgeable and that you know dogs. But (taking part in the project) has taught me ‘never assume,’ and to be cautious/respectful of dogs I don’t know especially in their own homes.”

Despite the increase in attacks, researchers argue there is a “complete dearth of literature and training in this area, alongside a lack of reporting on the practical, cultural and spiritual realities of dogs in social workspaces”.

The team is working with a trained dog behaviourist from the Institute of Modern Dog Training and is calling for national policy change within the profession to ensure the safety of those working in environment where dogs are present.

They want to hear from more social workers about their experiences to help develop future guidance and training material.

Dr Turner added: “We hope to use [our findings] to help social workers and those they work with to avoid significant harm, including potential prosecution, as well as considering the anti-oppressive practice aspects, through the development of training resources, national guidelines and policy change.”

A dog attack on a social worker could result in the owner facing a fine or even a prison sentence.

If you are interested in participating in the research contact Dr Denise Turner at d.turner@chi.ac.uk or you can participate in the survey.