Procedure for Dangerous Dog Incidents Oct 2015
Procedure for Dangerous Dog Incidents.
1.
Typical incidents dealt with by this procedure
Typical complaints about dangerous dog take the following forms:
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Dog attack on a person
Dog threatening to bite a person
Dog attack on another dog or other animal
Dog attack on sheep or other farm animals
Government guidance
Government guidance to enforcers on dangerous dogs states that:
“It is hoped that with a good working relationship between the police and local
authorities, with defined responsibilities and possibly setting up of service level
agreements that:
 Serious incidents involving dogs and owners who commit criminal
offences will be investigated by the police
 Minor incidents and stray dogs can be dealt with by local
authorities.”
(Extract from Dangerous Dogs Law Guidance for Enforcers DEFRA 2009)
2.
Deciding who should investigate an incident?
Complaints about a dog attacks are received by both Dorset Police and Purbeck
District Council. The dog warden or manager should liaise with Dorset Police to
decide which organisation should take the leading role in the investigation. This
decision should be communicated to the victim or complainant as soon as possible
to avoid confusion. The decision will be based on a number of factors including:
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If a serious offence has been committed under the Dangerous Dogs At 1989.
The nature of the incident.(e.g. dog on dog attack, farm animal or other animal
attacked.
previous history of the dog or owner
the wishes of the victim or complainant
The Incident Flow Chart below provides a guide to which action is most appropriate
in the most common situations. Having established which authority is leading an
investigation it is expected that both Dorset Police and Purbeck District Council
officers would provide advice and guidance to the investigating authority should that
be requested and appropriate.
Procedure for Dangerous Dog Incidents Oct 2015
Incident Flow Chart
Is the incident considered to be serious or
is the dog involved considered to be
dangerous?
No
Yes
Council dog warden leads
investigation
 No further Action
 Issuing written or verbal advice
on future control of the dog
Has a serious offence under
Sec 3 of the Dangerous Dogs
Act 1989 been committed?
e.g. Has a person been badly
bitten
No
Yes
Was any other serious offence
committed e.g. under ASBC&P Act 2014
or other animal legislation committed?
No
Yes
Sheep or livestock
attacked
Police lead investigation
Possible prosecution under:
Dangerous Dogs Act 1989
Dogs Protection of Livestock
Act 1953
Dog on dog attack
Serious injury or death has
occurred to another dog
as a result of an attack
Persistent failure to
control a dog resulting in
another attack
Council lead investigation
*Potential Actions:
Application for a Control Order, Dogs Act 1871
Community Protection Notice ASBC&P Act 2014
Voluntary control statement
Formal Written Warning
* Public Health and Housing Section’s Enforcement Policy must be considered prior to any decision
on what action is appropriate