Citation

Villalbí JR, Cleries M, Bouis S, Peracho V, Duran J, Casas C. Inj. Prev. 2010; 16(6): 408-410.

Affiliation

Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/ip.2010.026997

PMID

20805621

Abstract

Objective To analyse population-based data on hospitalisation caused by dog bite injuries after changes in legal regulations on dog ownership, including breed-specific regulations. Design Descriptive study. Setting Hospitals in Catalonia (Spain), 1997-2008. Subjects Persons hospitalised with injuries caused by dog bites. Results There has been a significant decline in hospitalisation caused by injuries from dog bites from 1.80/100 000 in 1997-9 to 1.11/100 000 in 2006-8, after the enactment of stricter regulations on dog ownership in 1999 and 2002. The magnitude of this change is significant (-38%), and has been greatest in less urban settings. Conclusions Government regulations were associated with a sizable decrease in injuries caused by dog bites in Catalonia. More evaluative studies in this field may provide criteria to focus future regulations and other preventive interventions.

Language: en