More than 300 serious dog-related offences have been recorded in Ealing over the past three years – with almost 9,000 incidents across Greater London – according to new Metropolitan Police data.
Figures obtained by Legal Expert show that in the year to March 2025, there were 99 Ealing-based offences involving a “dangerously out-of-control dog” that injured a person or assistance dog. That follows 121 cases in 2023/24 and 109 in the previous year, totalling 329 incidents – an average of nine a month.
Only six London boroughs recorded more offences. Croydon topped the list with 478 attacks, followed by Barnet on 364. Neighbouring Hounslow also saw high numbers, with 302 incidents over the same three-year period. Across Greater London, there were 8,883 attacks – about one every three hours.
In January 2024, the government introduced new restrictions on XL Bully dogs, requiring them to be muzzled and on a lead in public, with owners holding a certificate of exemption.
Prosecution rates remain low. In 2024/25, just 122 cases (4%) led to a charge, while 28 resulted in cautions and 99 were dealt with via “community resolution”. Almost half of all cases – 1,406 – were closed because no suspect could be identified.
Among 19 police forces that shared data in England and Wales, only the Met recorded a fall in dog attack offences over the three years. Overall, those forces reported 39,236 incidents, a 19% rise between 2022/23 and 2024/25.
Patrick Mallon, a solicitor at Legal Expert, said: “The increase in dog attacks is extremely concerning. Most of the time, our four-legged friends bring us comfort and joy but in these incidents where a dog has become dangerously out-of-control and has caused injury, it is important that victims know there is support available to them.”
