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Dangerous Dogs

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 came into force on 12th August 1991. The Act deals with three distinct aspects of dangerous dogs:

 

Section 1 deals with fighting dogs; there are four specific breeds named - the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Braziliero

 

Section 2 applies to all dogs and contains reserve powers to impose muzzling and leashing conditions on other dogs which are considered to present a serious danger to the public;

 

Section 3 applies to all dogs and deals with those which are dangerously out of control either in a public place or in any other place where they are not permitted to be.

 

The police are the instigating authority with respect to legal action under this legislation. Fareham Borough Council gives assistance and support to the police for this, especially in relation to advice and education for owners.

 

Keep your dog under control at all times

In the event that you come across an unfriendly dog here are a few tips to avoid a problem occurring.

  • Never attempt to stroke/touch any dog without the owners permission.
  • Never run past a strange dog, or walk quickly away from it. This may make it chase you and you could get bitten as a result. Always walk or back away slowly, facing the dog if you feel it may chase you.
  • Try to avoid showing fear. A dog can sense fear. Keep calm, whistle, walk slowly or speak firmly to the dog.
  • Dogs rarely attack so don't be too anxious about every dog you meet. Most are scared about getting into a fight but like to act tough in their own territory.
  • Never stare at a dog. Staring is a threat - a dog may see you as a challenge and attack.

Recognising danger zones

There are certain times and places where a dog is more likely to be aggressive. By being aware of these danger zones, you may avoid being bitten, or if you are a dog owner, you may be able to prevent your dog from biting someone else. If you have a dog which is aggressive, you should seek professional advice before someone is injured.

 

Danger zones include:

  • On the dog owner’s property. The dog may react aggressively to people it considers as intruders.
  • Close by the owner’s property. The dog may not recognise the boundary fence or the footpath as being the limit of his territory.
  • In the car, on the back of a utility truck. The dog may consider the vehicle to be part of its territory and bite anyone who goes near the vehicle. If the dog is sitting in the car, don’t leave the window down far enough for the dog to lunge out and bite someone.
  • At a local park or street where the dog regularly walks and urinates to mark this area as its territory.
  • When being walked on a leash, some dogs may be protective of their owners and become aggressive towards people or dogs walking by.
  • When the dog is near its owner or the owner’s children. If someone touches the owner, the dog may think that person is threatening the owner and bite.
  • When the dog is grabbed or pulled by the collar.
  • When the dog is nervous, or feels cornered and can’t run away.
  • When the dog has a bone or toy, or is near its food or bed.

Supervising dogs with children

Dogs and small children should never be left together unsupervised. No matter how good natured the dog is, a dangerous situation could develop if the dog is hurt, frightened, cornered or feels threatened.

 

Children must not hug and kiss dogs. Many bites on children’s faces result from the child trying to hug a dog.

 

Children must be taught to handle animals gently and carefully.

 

Adults supervising dogs with children should be aware of potentially dangerous situations:

  • When there is food around.
  • When the dog is nervous or excited.
  • When the dog is unwell or in pain.
  • When the dog has a litter of pups.
  • When two dogs are playing or fighting together.
  • When visiting children are with the dog.
  • When children play in or near the dog’s bed.

Your dog may need to be trained to wear a muzzle for safety if you are at all uncertain about how the dog will react to children.

Remember to praise and reward the dog for good behaviour. Obedience training will help you to control your dog’s behaviour.

Recognising early signs of aggression

Does your dog ever tense up, stare, raise its hackles, growl, lift its lips or snap when:

  • Eating or when food is around?
  • Its ears, paws, tail or belly are touched?
  • Someone goes near its bed or toys?
  • Someone tries to move the dog from a comfortable spot?
  • It is told off?
  • Someone pulls on its collar?
  • Someone grabs the dog, or tries to pick it up?
  • It is approached by people, children or other dogs?

Does your dog lunge out at people or dogs when out walking?

 

Does your dog rush out barking and growling at passers-by?

 

If the answer is "yes" to any of these situations, then your dog may be aggressive. These are the early warning signs. You need to seek professional advice, as your dog’s behaviour is likely to get worse, not better, with time. Don’t wait until someone has been seriously bitten. The sooner you seek help, the more easily the problem can be solved.

 

Does your dog get very nervous, cower away or try to run away from children, adults or other dogs?

 

If "yes", your dog could be dangerous if it ever feels threatened or cornered, and may attack out of fear. You need to seek professional advice to help your dog overcome its fear.

 

If you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour, please consult your veterinarian, who may be able to help you, or refer you to an animal behaviourist. Your dog may also require further socialisation and obedience training.

Common myths

Myth 1

Only certain breeds of dogs will attack people.

 

False! Any age, breed, sex and size of dog may bite. Some dogs, or breeds of dogs may be more likely to bite than others if not socialised, trained and controlled properly. What the dog owner does with the dog after it is born, is more important in preventing aggression than the dog’s breeding.

 

Myth 2

Only cross breed dogs bite.

 

False! Pedigree dogs will bite for the same reasons as cross breeds and as often.

Myth 3

A dog that attacks livestock or other animals is always a danger to people as well.

 

False! Not all dogs which attack other animals are dangerous to people.

 

Myth 4

Dogs only attack if the person has provoked the dog by teasing or cruelty.

 

False! Dog attacks can be provoked accidentally, and the victim is not always to blame.

 

Myth 5

Dogs will bite people if they are fed fresh meat.

 

False! A dog’s diet will not make it attack people.

 

Myth 6

It is normal for a dog to growl or snap at you or other people occasionally.

 

False! These are early warning signs of aggression and must be taken seriously. Professional advice should be sought immediately.

Further information

Further information can be obtained from

For further information on dog related issues please regulatory@fareham.gov.uk us or telephone on 01329 236100.

 

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