How Do I Report a Dangerous Dog in the UK? Legal Steps Explained

If a dog is attacking someone or poses an immediate risk to public safety, call 999 straight away.

For non-emergency situations such as repeated aggressive behaviour or a previous incident, UK law provides clear reporting routes through the police or your local council. This guide explains who to contact, when to report, and what happens next.

Ensuring public safety from dangerous dogs is a shared responsibility between dog owners, local authorities, and the general public. While most dogs are well-behaved and pose no risk, incidents involving aggressive or out-of-control dogs can lead to serious injuries and legal consequences. So, how do I report a dangerous dog?

If you encounter a dangerous dog, knowing how to report it effectively can prevent harm and ensure appropriate action is taken. In the UK, specific laws regulate dog ownership, including the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which outlines the responsibilities of owners and the penalties for failing to control their pets.

Who Do I Contact to Report a Dangerous Dog?

Knowing who to call is vital. For urgent threats, call the police. However, for non-emergencies, you should make a council report. An out of control dog that is not biting anyone but causing a nuisance—such as a stray or constant barker—is a council matter. If you need to report an out of control dog that has bitten a person, always dial 101 or 999.

Remember, controlling your dog in public is a legal duty. If you see an owner failing this duty, filing a dangerous dogs report helps keep the community safe.

What Is Considered a Dangerous Dog Under UK Law?

Under UK law, a dog may be considered dangerously out of control if it injures someone or makes a person reasonably fear injury. This applies in public places and private property, including the owner’s home.

• Injures a person
• Attempts to attack
• Causes fear of injury
• Attacks an assistance dog

Restricted and Banned Dog Types in the UK

In the UK, controlling your dog in public is a legal requirement, meaning owners must ensure their pets do not cause harm, fear, or nuisance to people and other animals. Dogs that are dangerously out of control fall under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which outlines the rules on banned breeds and the actions that can be taken if a dog poses a risk to the public.

These include:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro

Owning, breeding, selling, or giving away these dogs is illegal unless the owner has obtained an exemption from a court. Even if a dog does not belong to a banned breed, it can still be classified as dangerous if it exhibits aggressive behaviour or poses a risk to the public.

In addition, XL Bully–type dogs are subject to specific legal restrictions. It is illegal to own an XL Bully in the UK unless the dog is registered under the Certificate of Exemption scheme. Exempt dogs must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public, and owners must meet strict legal conditions.

Dogs Considered “Out of Control”

Dog owners have a legal duty to keep their pets under control at all times. This means ensuring they do not cause distress, fear, or harm to people or other animals. Under the law, a dog is considered “dangerously out of control” if it:

• Injures someone or makes them fear they may be injured.
• Attacks another animal.
• Runs loose in public places, causing a nuisance or obstruction.

Owners who fail to control their dogs can face severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and even the destruction of the dog.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)

Local councils have the authority to impose Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to regulate dog-related issues in certain areas. These orders may include:

• Banning dogs from specific places such as children’s play areas, parks, or beaches during certain months.
• Enforcing leash laws requires dogs to be kept on leads in designated spaces.
• Requiring owners to clean up after their dogs to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Failure to comply with a PSPO can result in fines or legal action. Checking with your local council will help you understand any restrictions in place in your area.

How Do I Report a Dangerous Dog?

If you encounter a dog that is aggressive, out of control, or has already attacked a person or another animal, it is crucial to report the incident immediately. The authorities responsible for handling dangerous dog reports include:

1. Contacting Your Local Council

Local councils employ dog wardens to handle reports of dangerous dogs, stray dogs, and dog fouling. They investigate complaints and take necessary action, which may include issuing warnings, seizing dangerous dogs, or prosecuting irresponsible owners.

2. When to Call the Police

If a dog has attacked someone or is an immediate threat, contacting the police is the best course of action. Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, police have the authority to remove aggressive dogs and take legal action against the owner. You can call 101 for non-emergency cases or 999 in the event of a life-threatening situation.

3. Reporting to the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

If a dog appears to be neglected or is being trained for aggressive purposes, the RSPCA can investigate cases of animal cruelty or mistreatment. Reporting such concerns can help prevent future incidents.

How to Report a Dog Attack or Dangerous Behaviour

When reporting a dangerous dog, providing clear and detailed information is essential for authorities to take swift action. Include the following details. Here’s how you can do:

• The date, time, and location of the incident.
• A description of the dog, including breed, size, and colour.
• The owner’s details (if known), such as their name, address, or vehicle registration number.
• A description of the behaviour, including any injuries caused.
• Witness statements or evidence, such as photos or videos.

The more information provided, the easier it is for authorities to assess the situation and take appropriate action.

Reporting Dog Fouling

While not as immediately dangerous as an aggressive dog, dog fouling is a persistent issue in many communities. Failing to clean up after a dog in public areas can lead to fines imposed by the local council. To report dog fouling:

• Contact your local council through their website or helpline.
• Provide details of the location and, if possible, the name of the owner responsible.
• Some councils offer online portals for reporting and tracking complaints.

What Happens After You Report a Dangerous Dog?

Once a report is made, the relevant authorities will assess the situation and decide on appropriate action. This may range from issuing advice or control measures to formal enforcement in serious cases.

This may include:

• Investigation: Officials may visit the owner’s property or interview witnesses.
• Issuing Warnings: If the incident is not severe, the owner may receive a warning or advice on how to control their dog.
• Seizure of the Dog: If the dog poses an ongoing risk, authorities may remove it from the owner’s care.
• Legal Action: If laws have been broken, the owner may face prosecution, fines, or even a ban on dog ownership.
• Destruction of the Dog: In extreme cases where a dog is deemed too dangerous, a court may order its destruction.

Preventing Dog-Related Incidents

Preventing dangerous dog incidents starts with responsible pet ownership. Here are some key steps owners can take:

• Socialisation and Training: Ensuring a dog is well-trained and socialised from an early age can help reduce aggression.
• Supervision: Always monitor interactions between dogs and people, especially children.
• Use of Leashes and Muzzles: In public places, keeping a dog on a lead or using a muzzle can prevent accidents.
• Understanding Breed Behaviour: Certain breeds have specific temperaments and require careful management.
• Neutering and Spaying: These procedures can help reduce aggressive tendencies in some dogs.

Related Resources

For further guidance on dog-related issues, the following resources may be helpful:

• Checking if the Council Has Your Missing Dog: If your pet is lost, local councils typically have procedures in place for reclaiming it.
• Reporting Antisocial Behaviour: Dogs causing persistent disturbances can be reported under local nuisance laws.
• Reporting a Stray Dog: Stray dogs should be reported to local animal control or dog wardens to ensure their safety.
• Microchipping Requirements: Since 2016, all dogs in the UK must be microchipped. This helps identify lost or potentially dangerous dogs.

Reporting a dangerous dog is a critical step in maintaining public safety and ensuring that irresponsible owners are held accountable. Whether it is an aggressive dog, persistent dog fouling, or a stray causing concern, knowing how and where to report the issue can help create a safer community. By working together with local councils, police, and animal welfare organisations, we can prevent dangerous incidents and promote responsible dog ownership across the UK. By knowing exactly how to report a dangerous dog in the UK, you not only protect your community but also support responsible ownership and animal welfare.

Frequently Asked Questions