Dog ownership brings unparalleled joy, but it also comes with significant responsibilities, especially regarding public safety. Ensuring your dog’s behaviour is safe and legal is solely your responsibility.
In the UK, dog bite laws are stringent and designed to ensure the safety of people as well as animals. If you’re a dog owner, understanding these laws and making sure your pet is well-behaved in public spaces is important to avoid potential legal consequences.
Here’s what you need to know about controlling your dog in public and the relevant UK dog bite laws.
Legal Responsibilities Of Dog Owners
According to UK law it is illegal to let a dog be dangerously out of control in any place, whether public or private. This includes your home, a neighbour’s house or garden, and any public space. The law applies to all dogs, regardless of breed.
The law explains the term ‘dangerously out of control’ very explicitly. Your dog may be described as dangerously out of control if it injures another person or even if it acts in such a way that it makes the other person think that your dog may injure them.
A court may also decide a dog was dangerously out of control if it attacked another animal or if the owner of an animal feared they would be injured while trying to stop the dog from attacking.
In addition to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, certain public areas in England and Wales are covered by Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). These orders impose specific rules for dog owners to ensure safety and cleanliness in public spaces.
Your Responsibilities To Comply With The Law
As a dog owner, you should know what responsibilities you have to ensure that your dog is considered legally under control. These are some things you must do to comply with the relevant law about dog ownership:
- Use a lead that’s appropriate for the size and strength of the dog breed.
- Make sure the lead is being handled by somebody who can restrain the dog if and when necessary. Don’t let a child hold the lead if you have a large dog breed.
- Limit the number of dogs you have with you when walking in public spaces.
- Maintain control of your dog at all times, even in seemingly safe areas.
- Don’t let your dog roam around in restricted areas such as designated park areas or farmland.
- Train and socialise your dog to prevent aggressive behaviour and ensure it interacts safely with other dogs and people, particularly children. Remember, it is against the law to allow your dog to behave in a manner that makes another person afraid that it may attack them.
- Recognise dog behaviour and signs of aggression and avoid provoking your dog
Penalties For Non-Compliance
The exact penalties may vary depending on various circumstances. However, if your dog is considered to be out of control under the legal guidelines, you may be fined and/or imprisoned for up to six months. The fine can be unlimited.
The penalties become more severe if you let your dog injure another person or animal. In this case, you may be fined and/or imprisoned for up to five years.
You could be charged with malicious wounding if you intentionally allow your dog to injure another person. If your dog kills another person, you could be imprisoned for up to 14 years and/or get an unlimited fine.
The council dog warden may seize your dog if it behaves dangerously. If the issue gets escalated and the magistrate considers that your dog is a danger to the public, they could order your dog to be put down and you may receive a lifetime ban on dog ownership.
Under the Animals Act 1971, dog bite victims may also pursue a civil claim for compensation.
When issuing sentences for dog bites, the court takes several factors into their deliberation. They will consider whether you or your dog have a history of aggressive behaviour. They will also determine whether the victim of the attack provoked your dog or put themselves in a dangerous situation with your dog. They’ll also consider whether you issued a warning or physically attempted to prevent the attack.
If you are concerned about your dog’s aggressive behaviour, you should contact a professional dog trainer or dog behaviourist for advice to avoid any harsh penalties that can ensue.
What You Should Know About Banned Dogs
In the UK, it is illegal to own certain types of dogs. It is also illegal to breed from, give away, sell, or abandon any dogs on the banned list.
The banned breeds include those that are known for their over-aggressive behaviour and considered to be a danger to others. The banned breeds include the:
- Fila Brasileiro.
- Pit Bull Terrier.
- Dogo Argentino.
- Japanese Tosa.
Also, XL Bully dogs are banned in both England and Wales.
Importantly, the banned dog list is not limited to just the above breeds. The determination of whether a dog is banned depends on its characteristics and behaviour rather than its breed. If your dog has similar traits to any breed on the banned list, it can be considered a banned type even if it has not acted aggressively and no one has filed a complaint.
If you own a banned dog, it can be seized by the local council dog warden or the police without a warrant if the dog is in a public place. A warrant is necessary to seize a banned dog from a private place. On confiscating your dog, a dog expert will assess its behaviour to determine if it poses a danger to the public. Depending on the evaluation, your dog may be released or kept in a kennel while awaiting a court decision.
You can keep your dog only if you have a valid Certificate of Exemption issued by the court and if your dog has not been behaving aggressively. This certificate is valid for the life of the dog provided it is fitted with a microchip, secured in a place from where it cannot escape, kept on a lead and muzzled in public at all times, and neutered. As an owner of a banned dog, you too must meet certain requirements.
As a responsible dog owner, you must be aware of and comply with the UK’s dog bite laws and Public Spaces Protection Orders. Behaviour and obedience training are essential to preventing incidents and keeping your dog, yourself, and the public safe. If you have any concerns about your dog’s behaviour, make sure to consult with a vet, dog behaviourist, or dog trainer before it bites or injures anybody.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you may find this page useful.