Dog attacks on Merseyside have seen the region named as the UK’s worst for a second consecutive year.
New statistics revealed that 322 victims seeking hospital treatment in the area after suffering bites from canines between February 2014 and March 2015.
The findings from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show an increase of 41 cases of dog attacks on the previous rankings from 2013.
Proactive steps are being taken in conjunction with the group’s People, Animals and their Health in Society (PATHS) group and local authorities.
Merseyside Police, the Communication Workers Union and Royal Mail hvae all been consulted about the recording of and response to dog bite incidents.
Dr Rob Christley, who is involved in the research, said said: “Currently, we do not have enough information about how dog bites occur and the full effect they have on those who are injured.
“In the course of this work, we have identified that a wide range of agencies are involved in managing or preventing injuries arising from dogs.
“However, currently the extent to which these efforts are coordinated is limited.”