HORSE riders in Worcestershire are being urged to come forward if they have been attacked by dogs while out hacking.

Also if their horses or ponies have been set upon or worried by dogs when turned out in fields or paddocks.

The British Horse Society is encouraging horse riders and owners to respond to a consultation document issued by the Government on dangerous dogs.

Defra is consulting on a number of options as to how the current situation regarding dangerous dogs might be improved and the BHS is keen to see as many equestrians as possible respond.

The society has been collecting information from the victims of dog attacks over the last 10 years in an effort to demonstrate the impact of dangerous dogs on horse riders and owners.

During that time, more than 97 reports have been received from victims of dog attacks – 74 of which have occurred in the last three years – and this only covers those that have been reported to the society.

Ten of these attacks proved fatal for the horse and another 42 resulted in injury to a horse. Alongside this, 43 riders and owners have suffered injury, demonstrating that dangerous dogs have serious implications for equestrians.

The BHS believes the consultation on dangerous dogs raises many pertinent issues to owners and riders of horses, proving their vulnerability to attacks by dangerous dogs.

Although the problem of dogs attacking horses is nowhere near as serious as dog attacks on sheep, there have been several instances where horses and ponies have been injured trying to escape a dog chasing them around a field.

Two years ago a 17-month-old foal died after jumping over a steel gate in Yorkshire to try to escape a dog pursuing it. The animal is believed to have broken its neck.

There have also been instances of dogs attacking horses being ridden along bridleways. In some of these, the party to come off worse has been the rider, who has been thrown to the ground and injured after the horse has panicked.

Mark Weston, director of access, safety and welfare at the BHS, said: “The number of reported incidents is continuing to rise and steps to make dog owners responsible for their animal’s behaviour would be welcomed by the society. Any new legislation should cater for dog attacks on horses and riders as they, as proven by our reports, are increasing.”

● Further information on the consultation can be found on the British Horse Society website bhs.org.uk.