The destruction of a number of bull terriers made the news last year as a result of the continuing implications of the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991). They are, however, not the only breed to be in danger if they are found to be out of control in a public place.

You the owner, or the person in charge at the time, risk a term of imprisonment if a dog in your charge is found to be "dangerously out of control in a public place". This is the most common instance of a "dangerous dog" being drawn to the public's attention.

Under the Dogs Act (1871), a Magistrates Court may hear a complaint that a dog is dangerous and not kept under proper control. The court has the power to make an order directing the dog to be kept under proper control or be destroyed if the dog is found to be dangerous. What is less well known is that this includes danger on an owner's private property to which other persons have a right of access. For example this may apply if a postman is bitten by a dog as he delivers mail through the letter box.

An injured party may also have grounds for a personal injury claim if they can establish the owner has been negligent in failing to take adequate precautions to ensure that the dog did not cause any injury.

All dog owners should ensure that they are aware of any potential dangers. If they become aware of any characteristics which indicate the likelihood to cause injury then they should take additional steps to keep the dog under control.

Failure to do so could render you liable to prosecution and a civil action for damages, as well as endangering the life of your dog.

Solicitors are advertising for dog bite claims to take on at NO WIN NO FEE - a claimant has nothing to lose by trying to sue you.

Personal injury compensation following a dog bite
Dog bites are common occurrences with over 200,000 people a year bitten by their own pet or a dog that belongs to someone else. 70% of dog bite cases involve the injured party’s own dog with the other 30% possibly leading to personal injury compensation cases against another person. Being bitten by a dog is a painful experience that can result in serious injury and in some cases, often involving children, fatal injuries.  If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog then you are legally entitled to claim personal injury compensation.

Household insurance doesn't always cover your dog - check that you have insurance cover before an incident occurs.

Types of dogs prohibited in Great Britain

The Dangerous Dogs Act bans ownership, breeding, sale and exchange and advertising for sale of specified types of fighting dogs.
The dogs covered by the ban (under section 1 of the DDA) are of the type known as:
• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Braziliero

A leaflet (239 KB) is available from DEFRA which contains guidance on the types of dogs prohibited in Great Britain. It also explains the impact of the legislation on dogs being brought into Great Britain.