Towards the end of 2017 a villager’s dog was attacked on several occasions by another dog. The attacks took place over the course of several days in the same field behind St Andrew’s Lane. The owner of the aggressive dog did not appear to have much control over their pet. Nor did they appear to show much remorse for the attacks. The owner of the other dog was so annoyed by this that they dialled 101 and contacted the police.
Much to their surprise the police took the incident very seriously. An officer was dispatched and was soon interviewing the owner of the aggressive animal. They were reminded that it is illegal for a dog to be dangerously out of control anywhere, including in public and private spaces – even in the dog owner’s own home.
If another dog attacks your dog, and particularly if you fear that it will injure you if you attempt to stop the attack, it may be that the owner of the other dog is guilty of a failure to control their pet. The punishment for allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control can be any combination of the following:
- Forced to muzzle the dog at all times
- A fine of up to £5,000
- A jail sentence of up to 6 months
- Destruction of the offending dog
- A ban on future dog ownership
You can also take the other dog’s owner to court to claim back any veterinary bills you have had to pay as a result of the attack.
If a dog is allowed to injure a guide dog, the owner can be sentenced to up to 3 years in jail, with a fine also being possible.
If your dog has been injured by another dog in an unprovoked attack, you are advised to call 101 and request a scheduled appointment.
