Frequently Asked Questions

Under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act an offence could be committed if the dog is dangerously out of control in a public place. Even if it is not in a public place, but in a place where the dog is permitted to be and it bites someone or puts a person in fear, the owner could still be prosecuted. If this happens you should telephone the police.

The local authority is responsible for the collection and keeping of stray dogs. The police only have a responsibility to accept and deal with stray or lost dogs which are brought to a police station until collected by the local authority. Lost and found dog registers are kept at local police stations.