Advice on Dangerous or Aggressive Dogs

Should you have concerns or a complaint regarding a dangerous dog, or if you or your dog has been attacked by another dog, you can either report the incident to the Council's Dog Warden or the Police, as both have a joint responsibility to deal with such incidents.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997 prohibit the ownership, breeding, sale and exchange and advertising for sale of specified types of fighting dogs. The most notable example being the pit bull terrier type of dog.

The law can be enforced either by the Council or Police, with penalties including a substantial fine and/or imprisonment. Residents are asked to be vigilant, and should they own, or know of a dog or dogs that they suspect are illegal they should contact the Council on 01252 774421 for further advice.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published a leaflet entitled "Control of Dogs, The Law and You" which contains guidance on illegal dog types. The main Defra webpage containing information about Dangerous Dogs can be accesed using the link to the right of this page.