PERTH hospitals are treating 25 people a week for dog bites, with the number of seriously injured victims soaring.

Almost 4800 people have attended metropolitan hospitals after falling victim to a dog attack since the start of 2015, according to Health Department figures.

Of those, 1325 cases — more than a quarter — were serious enough for patients to be admitted to hospital.

Dog bite admissions surged from 312 in 2015 to 405 last year, and are on track to eclipse that again with 243 recorded in the seventh months to the end of July.

The figures come just days after a 14-month-old girl was mauled to death by her family’s German wirehaired pointer in rural Victoria and as the McGowan Government prepares to review the WA Dog Act next year.

The Act sets out the penalties for dog attacks, with maximum penalties of $10,000 or 12 months jail for serious incidents or urging a dog to attack. It also allows councils to order a dog destroyed or declare it dangerous after an attack on a person or animal.

Dangerous dogs are required to wear a special collar indicating their classification and be housed in child and dog-proof enclosures on clearly signposted properties.

For dog attack victim Diana Smith, 76, mauled by her neighbours’ two pit bulls last year, the dangerous dog provisions are “laughable”. The Palmyra grandmother was in hospital for five days and left with deep gashes requiring stitches to both legs after she was attacked in her own driveway while wheeling out rubbish bins.

Camera Icon Vulnerable: Diana Smith was attacked in her driveway by her neighbour’s two dogs. Credit: Mogens Johansen Camera Icon Bitten: Mrs Smith had stitches. Credit: Seven News

The City of Melville issued a destruction order but it was waived by the Fremantle Magistrates Court and the pit bulls were instead declared dangerous and returned to their owners, who were also fined. They still live next door to Mrs Smith.

“I absolutely hate it. If I can see the neighbours’ cars in their driveway I am too afraid to leave the house unless my daughter or a friend pick me up,” she said.

Jenny Harris’ adult daughter was attacked by a dog from a neighbouring Ellenbrook property in a similar manner 18 months ago.

“She was walking out to the bin to empty the vacuum cleaner when the dog ran at her,” Ms Harris said. “She had a 22cm bite from her butt to her back.”

Ms Harris believes dog owners should be punished.