Pet adoptions increased during the Covid-19 lockdowns, as many people sought comfort in animal companions; though consequently, the number of pet-related accidents also surged.
NHS figures for 2020/21 showed that 7,386 people were admitted to hospitals in England after being bitten or struck by a dog, 60 visited after having encounters with venomous spiders, and a 90-year-old lady was treated after being “bitten or struck by a crocodile or alligator”. No further details were given.