Forum

Staffordshire Police say letting a dog be ‘dangerously’ out of control is against the law, no matter where! Besides a dog owner’s home, the rules also apply at:

Any public place (e.g. a children’s playground or park). Private areas, such as at a neighbour’s home or garden.

UK law considers a dog as ‘dangerously out of control’ if it makes someone feel worried about getting injured, or it causes an actual injury.

Important: The United Kingdom bans the ownership of certain types of dogs. But, the law about controlling your dog in public areas applies to all breeds of dogs.

In some cases, the courts may also consider dogs as being out of control and acting in a dangerous manner, if (either):

It has been attacking someone else’s domestic pets and animals. The owner of another pet or animal feels they might get injured if they intervene and attempt to stop the dog attacking it.

Farmers can shoot and kill dogs chasing or attacking sheep or livestock (e.g. cows, goats, horses, pigs).

Penalties for Not Controlling Your Dog

The penalties for having a dangerous out of control dog is an unlimited fine or being sent to prison (for up to six months) – or both.

In the most severe cases, the authorities may destroy the canine and ban the person responsible from owning a dog in the future.

It can get worse:

Allowing your dog to injure another person can result in a prison sentence for a period up to five (5) years, being fined, or both. Deliberately using a dog to injure someone can result in a charge of ‘malicious wounding’.

The person in charge of a dog that kills someone can be sent to prison for a period of up to fourteen (14) years, receive an unlimited fine, or both.

Important: Allowing your dog to injure an assistance dog (e.g. a guide dog) can result in a prison sentence for a period of up to three (3) years, being fined, or both.

Useful tips and advice for keeping your dog under control:-

It is your responsibility to keep your dog under control and to clean up after it: you are breaking the law if you do not do so

Keep your dog in sight Keep the lead handy, you may need it Consider using a muzzle Respect other users and the wildlife

Also remember it is your responsibility to keep your dog under control and to clean up after it.