Annie Gouk, a journalist who writes local news stories based on statistics for regional papers up and down the country, looks at the data on dog attacks, speaking to experts to try and unpick what’s behind the increase, as well as what needs to be done to tackle the problem.

Official NHS figures show that in the year to March, there were 9,277 hospital admissions where the patient had been bitten or struck by a dog. That was a record high, with the number increasing steadily since at least 1998, when figures began.

Behind those numbers are people like Kayleigh, whom Annie speaks to, who have been left with life-changing injuries.

The North in Numbers, in collaboration with The Northern Agenda, is a Laudable production for Reach. It is written and hosted by Annie Gouk, and produced by Daniel J. McLaughlin.

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