In recent years, the number of dog attacks has been on the rise in England and Wales. In 2020-2021 alone, 7,443 people were admitted to hospitals for dog bites, with 11 fatalities reported between January 2022 and 2023. These alarming figures have led to calls for changes to be made to the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. 

One possible solution that has been suggested is for all dog walkers to wear body worn cameras while they are out walking their charges. The use of such technology could provide an extra layer of protection against potential incidents involving dogs as well as providing useful evidence should any issues arise during a walk.

The safety benefits of wearing a body worn camera

The safety benefits of wearing a body worn camera are clear, but there are other ways to ensure that dog owners and walkers take extra precautions when out with their animals. 

For instance, the American XL Bully breed of dogs has been linked to six attacks in 2021 alone and is now banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act. This highlights how important it is for owners to be aware of the potential dangers of certain breeds of dog and to take appropriate precautions when walking them in public.

Furthermore, children are particularly vulnerable to dog bites with 75% of all attacks being directed at their heads. It is therefore important for parents and guardians to ensure that any young people in their care understand how to behave around animals correctly and that they are supervised when out with a dog.

Ultimately, the safety of dog owners and walkers alike is paramount, and responsible ownership should be encouraged at all times. By taking additional safety measures such as wearing body cameras, making sure that young people are properly supervised around dogs, and avoiding certain unsafe breeds, we can reduce the number of attacks and ensure that everyone is kept safe.

Importance of video evidence in providing clarity to any disputes

The use of body worn cameras can also be beneficial in providing evidence should any dispute arise over a dog attack. For instance, if there is an issue with a particular breed of dog or if someone has been injured, then video footage captured by a body camera can provide clarity and help to resolve the dispute quickly. 

This means that owners and walkers can be confident that, should any incident take place during a walk, they will have an independent record of what happened.

Additionally, with the rise in dog attacks since the start of the pandemic in 2020, body worn cameras could also help to discourage potential attackers from engaging in violent behaviour. 

Knowing that their actions are being recorded could help to deter those who may be considering carrying out an attack, as well as providing evidence should any incident take place.

How data privacy is affected by having a body worn camera

It is important to consider how the use of body worn cameras may affect data privacy. It is essential that any recording taken on a body camera is only used for safety purposes and not shared with other parties without the express permission of both the person wearing the device and those who feature in it. 

Furthermore, all footage must be securely stored and deleted after a set period of time.

Using body cameras for training purposes

Body cameras can also be used for training purposes – such as teaching dogs to stay away from certain areas or to not bark at other dogs. By reviewing the video footage, you can easily track your pup's progress over time and make any necessary adjustments in order to ensure that their behaviour remains consistent.

This is a great way for dog walkers to stay one step ahead and keep their furry friends safe on their walks. What's more, it can also help build a better relationship between the pup and their owner – as well as providing an entertaining way for them to bond!

How Dog Walkers can get the most out of their body worn camera

As well as following the data protection regulations, there are a few tips that dog walkers can use to get the most out of their body worn camera. 

Firstly, it is important to keep the device charged and switched on at all times when walking dogs. 

Secondly, make sure that you have a clear view of any people or dogs in your vicinity, as this will help to provide a clear and accurate record, ideal locations include a chest or shoulder mount – plus, it'll keep your hands free for doling out doggy treats! 

Check the footage regularly to ensure that nothing has been missed or recorded incorrectly.

Finally, be sure to record in HD for optimal quality and clarity. With these tips, you'll have all the tools you need to capture that perfect pup moment! The world is your oyster – let's go exploring together!

The cost and availability of body worn cameras for dog walkers

The cost and availability of body worn cameras varies depending on the model and manufacturer. Generally, devices range from £100 to upwards of £500, making them accessible for most people. 

The majority of body worn cameras are widely available online or in certain stores, with some manufacturers offering rental options for those who may not be able to afford buying one outright.

Conclusion

Body worn cameras are an important tool for dog walkers to help ensure their safety when out in public. By encouraging responsible ownership and following the tips outlined above, we can reduce the number of attacks and provide a safer environment for all. 

Furthermore, the use of video evidence can provide clarity in any disputes, and may even help to deter potential attackers. Ultimately, body worn cameras can be a useful asset for any dog walker and should be considered when looking at ways to keep everyone safe.