Those responsible could be fined or even jailed
Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories
We have more newsletters
Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories
We have more newsletters
Dogs are man’s best friend, but some pet pooches can have a vicious side – especially around other dogs. It’s why many are now wondering about their rights if their dog attacks – or is attacked – by another canine.
The number of dog owners shot up considerably in the Covid-19 pandemic, with figures reaching an all-time high. Experts claim that 34 per cent of all UK households had at least one dog, report WalesOnline.
However, as more people own dogs, many might not be aware of the laws surrounding dog ownership. This is especially concerning if their dog goes out of control anywhere in public.
READ MORE:Dog owners need to follow these rules when out so they're not breaking the law
Current laws mean it is illegal to allow a dog to be dangerous or out of control anywhere in a public place – or even in private places such as gardens or houses, including owner’s own home. This law applies to all dogs with a pet pooch considered 'dangerously out of control' if it injures someone or makes someone worried that it might injure them.
Laws also make clear that if a dog attacks someone’s animal, or if an animal owner fears being injured if they try to intervene, a court could deem that dog is dangerously out of control. A pet dog that’s out of control could also be legally killed by a farmer – that’s if they believe it is worrying their livestock.
If someone is deemed to have an out of control dog could face unlimited fines. They could also be handed a six-month prison sentence or both punishments at once. The dog at the centre of the attack could also be destroyed.
For people who allow their out of control dog to injure someone, the punishment is more severe. They could be jailed for up to five years, or be fined.
Those who deliberately use their dog to injure someone could face charges of ‘malicious wounding’ in court, while people who are killed by an out of control dog could see the pet’s owner jailed for up to 14 years. The dog owner could also face an unlimited fine.
To combat the issue of out of control dogs, the Government has held long-standing bans on certain dog breeds in the UK. It means people cannot own the likes of Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasileiro dogs.
There is also a ban on the sale, abandonment, giving away or breeding of banned dogs as well.
According to animal charity PDSA, there are clear signs of aggression in dogs. These range from growling, snarling, snapping, baring teeth and lunging, with owners advised to ask another owner before you or your pet interact with their pet. The situation should then be monitored from there.
If your dog is attacked by another dog, the PDSA says do not panic. Instead, they encourage people not to try to separate the dogs yourself, but to distract the other dog from a distance. From here, people should call police on 101 and report it to your council’s dog warden. People should also take their dogs to a vet, even if the injuries are superficial.
If your dog attacks another, the advice to stay calm and distract the dog from a distance is the same. Owners are also encouraged to try to get them back on the lead but be careful not to get injured yourself.
More information on the laws surrounding dog ownership can be found here. Further advice on keeping your dog safe in dangerous situations can be found here.
