Dangerous dogs

Snarling dogDangerous dogs are the responsibility of the police

If you want to report a dangerous dog, contact the Police on the non-emergency number, 101.

You may be required to provide the following details of the incident:

  • Where and when the dog was last seen
  • What the behaviour of the dog was (what happened)
  • A description of the dog (that is the breed, size, colour, distinguishing features)
  • Any known information regarding the owner (name or address)
  • Photographic evidence of any injuries sustained by the attack (or a statement from a vet)

You may also be required to provide evidence in Court should the owner be prosecuted. 

What is a dangerous dog?

A dangerous dog could be:

  • A dog attacking a person
  • A dog attacking another dog
  • A dog attacking another animal
  • A specific breed of dog that is deemed to be dangerous or banned

There is a clear difference between a dog behaving dangerously and a dog that is out in a public space without its owner, which is a stray dog.

Go to the stray and lost dogs web page to find out how to tell us about a stray or lost dog.

Last updated: Tuesday, 25 October, 2022.