MORE TH>N: Pet attacks

Melvin Everest, from leading pet insurer MORE TH>N comments on the NHS statistics released, showing a rise in the number of people treated for dog bites: "The latest statistics from the NHS show a worrying rise in dog attacks, particularly amongst children and a growing trend for ownership of menacing breeds, which are considered by some as status symbols. At MORE TH>N we take responsible pet ownership seriously and we support Mr Lamb's call for greater awareness of the risks of irresponsible dog ownership.

As one of the leading pet insurers in the UK, we not only look to provide insurance to dogs (and cats) of all ages, up to £7,000 for each and every illness or injury, money towards advertising for lost pets, and a 24 hour veterinary helpline, we also provide all customers with up to £2 million of liability insurance should their dog injure someone, or damage someone else's property

In addition, in support of the principle of Dangerous Dogs Act 1991and the lack of knowledge on the conduct of certain breeds, we have applied restrictions on the breeds of dogs we insure. As such we do not provide cover to a variety of wolf type breeds, breeds originally bred for guarding or potentially used for fighting.”