What is behind the increase in dog attacks?

Today's Big Talk podcast looks at the horrific and tragic cases of dogs attacking children in both Toronto and Edmonton in recent weeks, leaving one child dead and another with life-changing injuries. These stories are confirmed by hard numbers, including from many Canadian cities Toronto and Edmonton — show an increase in attacks or dangerous incidents in the last two years.

Dr. Tim Arthur is a veterinarian in Ottawa and president-elect of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. “I think that's one of our big weaknesses right now, (…) it's a manpower issue and you can't watch people all the time. When I go through these bite incidents, and I think you've noticed, a lot of these dogs have come into contact with law enforcement,” Dr. Arthur said.

What's behind the rise in attacks? Are these puppies a pandemic as some say? Are the measures easy to use? Unqualified owners? All this and more? More importantly, what are we doing about it?

You can subscribe to The Big Story podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google and Spotify. You can also find it at thebigstorypodcast.ca.