Serious or fatal dog attack procedure
We are committed to protecting people from injury or fear of injury by dogs. This procedure outlines our investigation methods, and also serves to ensure that our response is lawful, reasonable, proportionate and necessary.
Ownership of certain prohibited types of dogs is a criminal offence. Furthermore, allowing any type of dog to be dangerously out of control is also a criminal offence.
Legal action may be taken against the owner and or the person in charge of the dog at the time of the incident. This procedure outlines how we ensure a clear and consistent approach to dealing with dangerous and prohibited dogs. Our specific objectives are to:
- ensure that log management is of the highest standard possible with underpinning accountability
- provide a set of considerations for senior investigating officers to utilise when dealing with dog-related incidents in order to bring those responsible to justice
- maintain a victim-oriented approach to any dog-related incidents and comply with the Victims’ Code of Practice
Procedure
Related page
We publish information on dangerous and out-of-control dogs sought by members of the public every six months on our Proactive publications webpage.