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.


METHODS
Descriptive study.


METHODS
Hospitals in Catalonia (Spain), 1997-2008.


METHODS
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.
Villalbí
Joan R
JR
Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. jrvillal@aspb.cat
Cleries
Montse
M
Bouis
Susana
S
Peracho
Víctor
V
Duran
Julia
J
Casas
Conrad
C
D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D033161:Government Regulation; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011634:Public Health; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*