Dangerous dogs

My Dog has been attacked by another dog - what can be done about it?

Unless a member of the public was at risk, this is a civil matter between you and the owner of the other dog concerned.

I've been attacked by a dog or was scared I was going to be attacked - what should I do?

If you have been attacked it is important to obtain medical help, especially if your anti tetanus inoculation is out of date (a booster is normally required every ten years). Then you need to contact Warwickshire Police on 101 and ask for your incident to be referred to the Dog Legislation Officer (DLO).

Under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, an offence could be committed if a dog is dangerously out of control in a public place. Even if it is not in a public place, but in a place where the dog is not permitted to be and it bites someone, or frightens someone, the owner could still be prosecuted.

What is a dangerous dog?

Any dog can be a dangerous dog. A dangerous dog is technically any dog that is deemed to be in violation of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and therefore can be any dog, regardless of breed, size and attitude that is deemed to be acting in a dangerous and out of control manner.

There are 4 "restricted" breeds defined by the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) and these breeds are as follows:

• Pit Bull Terrier (and any cross bred derivatives)
• Japanese Tosa (and any cross bred derivatives)
• Dogo Argentino (and any cross bred derivatives)
• Fila Braziliero (and any cross bred derivatives)

The term "restricted breed" means that it is illegal to possess any such dog without a certificate of exemption. These will only be granted if the dog is neutered, insured, tattooed and is micro-chipped. These certificates of exemption can only be granted by a Dog Legislation Officer and will only be granted in rare circumstances and after a full attitude and risk assessment carried out by the Police.

If a certificate of exemption is granted then the dog must not be in a public place without being muzzled, on a lead, and under the control/supervision of somebody who is not less than 16 years of age.

If you believe you have seen one of these dogs then please contact Warwickshire Police on 101.

Last updated Thursday, 27th August 2020