Today, the Government is giving the State Treasury the task of evaluating how the county administrative boards and the police manage to protect the public against dog attacks. Around 4,000 people seek care every year after being bitten by a dog.
"The purpose of this is to reduce the number of injuries caused by dogs. The number of dog bites is at far too high levels. In addition, people sometimes die from injuries and that is completely unacceptable.
The purpose of the report is whether the law needs to be amended, how the authorities cooperate and whether they carry out their tasks effectively. The answers to these questions will be presented to the government on 28 February next year.
The law is subject to change
It was after the dog attack in Robertsfors where a woman in her 60s died that SVT examined several cases where the county administrative boards have, or have not, taken action against dogs and their owners.
The audit showed that few reports to the county administrative boards led to action and that there is no possibility to follow up the few decisions made. Peter Kullgren then announced that the government would review the problem and start a major investigation, which is happening now. The minister also opens up the possibility that a change in the law may be required.
"We are not closing any doors, it is possible that the outcome will be that some legislation will be changed as well," says Peter Kullgren.