Decline in hospitalisations due to dog bite injuries in Catalonia, 1997-2008. An effect of government regulation?

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.