What is the law on dog bites?

Many dog owners think that the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 only applies to specific breeds e.g. the Pit Bull Terrier. This is not the case, Section 3 of the Act refers to all dogs of any type or breed and makes it a criminal offence to allow any dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place or a private place where the dog has no right to be.

A dog is regarded as "dangerously out of control" under the Act if there are grounds for suspecting that it will injure a person, whether or not it actually does so.

• If no injury is caused, the maximum sentence is a fine of £2,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
• Where actual injury eg a bite is caused the maximum sentence is two years imprisonment and/or unlimited fine, plus if appropriate, destruction of the dog.

The Court can also specify particular forms of restriction, such as muzzling or leashing, for all types of dog, as well as having the power to disqualify owners from having custody of a dog for any period of time felt appropriate.

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