Changes to Dog Law

[MurphysMinder]

I received an email this week from local Police safer neighbourhood team stating the Dogs out of Control law has changed. I've seen nothing elsewhere about this but could catch a few people out, if it is enforced. And yes it seems PCSO can't spell !

Legislation regarding Dogs Dangerously Out of Control has changed.

Previously when a dog attacked another dog or animal, it was likely considered a civil offence. Legislation has changed and it is now a recordable offence under Section 3(1) Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

The latest ruling found the offence can be evidenced by how the dog behaved, and the fact it was not controlled by its handler, no longer solely relying on the need for direct apprehension of fear for the offence to be made out.

In addition, a dog can be "dangerously out of control" even if securely on a lead.

Message Sent By
David Andrew
(Police, PCSO, Whitchurch Safer Nieghbourhood Team)

 

[SilverLinings]

I get email news from the local rural policing team but hadn't heard about that change, so thank you for posting. It's about time though with all the attacks on sheep- and other livestock- over the last few years. I think society should be far more aware that dogs that aggressively (and un-provoked) attack other animals can pose a risk to human safety, so hopefully this law change will mean that earlier intervention reduces the number of dangerous dogs. With any luck it might at least be an incentive for some of the lazier owners to actually do something about their dog's lack of training.

 

[DressageCob]

Tbh I don't understand this. The legislation has always said that having a dog dangerously out of control is an offence. It was updated in 2014 to say "in any place" rather than just in public. I'm not aware of any further updates in 2023/2022.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Tbh I don't understand this. The legislation has always said that having a dog dangerously out of control is an offence. It was updated in 2014 to say "in any place" rather than just in public. I'm not aware of any further updates in 2023/2022.

Maybe it means the police will actually use the legislation now instead of shrugging and saying 'it's a civil matter' or sending you off to the dog warden (if there is one).

 

[marmalade76]

It's about time, attacks on other dogs and horses seem to be on the increase and I've heard of many saying they've been fobbed off with " we can't do anything" by the police.

 

[DressageCob]

Maybe it means the police will actually use the legislation now instead of shrugging and saying 'it's a civil matter' or sending you off to the dog warden (if there is one).

I bet that’s it. Pretending the law has changed so they have a reason to start doing their jobs ?