Attacks by dogs, primarily stray dogs, are a very common problem faced by both underdeveloped and developed local goverments. The damage caused by attacks from stray dogs has multiple, and often long-lasting, harmful consequences for their victims, which are also reflected on members of their families. This manuscript provides a veterinary-epidemiological definition of the concept of dogs, as well as their legal definition in the context of „dangerous things“, and the psychological aspect that is regularly manifested in victims. Analyzing the legislation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a comparative presentation of the regulations of the EU member states, systematic overviews and answers are given, which are important for the improvement of existing regulations and harmonization of law and jurisprudence.

Athletes who train in public places in urban and rural areas are just as attacked and injured by dogs of known owners as they are by dogs with no owners, in a relatively equal proportion. The largest number of bites occurs in the summer, what makes up half of all bites, just when sports activity is most pronounced. Athletes who are most often exposed to potential attacks and bites are cyclists, long-distance athletes, marathon runners, recreational athletes, etc. both during training and competitions. Off-road cyclists are at a significantly higher risk of dog attacks because cycling takes place off-road, that is, away from urban areas. Dog attacks can adversely affect the psycho-physical readiness of athletes. In Bosnia and Herzegovina there have been no cases of injuries to athletes recorded by competent medical institutions or umbrella sports associations. It is necessary to work on more efficient administration (registration and recording of attacks and bites of dogs). It is of utmost importance to educate athletes on dog behaviour, the reasons for their aggressive behaviour and causal mechanisms of dog attacks as well as the first aid education, what can have a great impact on reducing further complications.