A child was injured by a dog while in a garden, and in a separate incident a canine killed another pooch, as police predict a rise in attacks this summer.

Officers launched an investigation after a dog injured a youngster while in the owner’s garden in Charing, near Ashford, earlier this month.

Meanwhile in Margate, a dangerously out of control dog killed one pet and injured two others, with two people also hurt. The incident is also being investigated, with the dog seized.

Kent Police foresees a rise in dog-related incidents with the arrival of the summer months, and is reminding owners of their responsibilities.

Historically, Kent Police has seen the highest number of reported incidents between May and August. In 2022 there were 98 reported in July, with just 44 in February the same year.

Last month saw 124 reported incidents including dog bites and dog-on-dog attacks, with 44 so far in June, upto 12 June.

Inspector Ian Warner said: “Whilst the majority of people are responsible there is still a small minority who are not. Preventing anti-social behaviour and ensuring everyone remains safe is part of the force’s safer summer initiative.

The inspector said the incidents in Charing and Margate “serve as a timely reminder that dogs can be unpredictable when confronted with unexpected situations and incidents can lead to the harming of livestock too.”

He went on: “Under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act a person in charge of a dog, and/or the owner, commits an offence if the victim fears that the dog’s actions will lead to them being injured, whether or not they actually are injured.

“This can be from a dog running up to a person, jumping up at them and causing fear or doing the same thing but then also causing an injury.

“It’s also important to ensure children in the home are safeguarded. As we have seen dogs can be unpredictable so should be closely supervised around children.

“We want everyone to ensure they take responsibility for their actions.”

“We want everyone to ensure they take responsibility for their actions...”

Advice offered by the force includes keeping in mind that owning a dog is a big responsibility and that people have a duty to both their dog and the public to keep their pet under control at all times.

They also made practical recommendations to dog owners including ensuring gardens are secure, and taking steps to avoid pets ambushing delivery drivers.

Police additionally reminded owners of particularly jumpy or anxious canines who may have a tendency to bite to keep them on the lead whilst out and to consider using a muzzle.