Aggressive dogs

Aggressive dogs are those that behave in an aggressive manner, bite or attack other animals or people.

Both ourselves and the police have powers to deal with aggressive dogs.

More serious incidents

The police investigate the following more serious incidents:

• dogs biting people
• organised dog fights
• dogs being used in a threatening manner
• banned dogs

Report an incident

Call the police on 101. If a dog is attacking a person or other animal call 999.

Less serious incidents

We investigate the following less serious incidents:

• neighbours dogs that are aggressive
• roaming dogs that are aggressive
• dogs that have bitten other dogs or animals

Please note: we may also involve or inform the Police. 

Report an incident

Report an aggressive dog problem

What happens next?

Once an aggressive dog has been reported, the owners could be ordered to do any or all of the following, especially if the offender is already known to us:

• attend dog training classes
• muzzle the dog or require it to be on a lead in public
• require the dog to be microchipped and or neutered
• repair fencing to prevent the dog leaving the property

Fines and imprisonment

It's against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere. This includes both public and private property including your own home.

Any dog owner that refuses to control their dog risks the following sentence's;

• 14 years for a fatal dog attack
• 5 years for injury
• 3 years for an attack on an assistance dog
• a fine up to £20,000