Some info that’s always good to be aware of ???
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?? Don't worry, he's friendly ??

Those are dreaded words for some and with pet ownership on the rise, we've seen a drastic increase in reports of dangerous dogs or dog on dog attacks. So what's the law and what can you do to be a responsible owner?

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? I thought only big dogs could be dangerous or out of control ?

False. Any dog, regardless of age, size or breed can be considered dangerously out of control. This even goes for puppies, so bear this in mind when deciding to let your dog off lead.

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? You shouldn't walk in a park or field if your dog is on a lead ?

Green spaces aren't reserved for off lead dogs. As long as it's a designated walking area and allows dogs, everyone can use the space. If your dog has limited recall and is known to run up to other dogs/people, you should reconsider letting them off lead.

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? If it's on a lead it's obviously aggressive so should be muzzled ?

Another false statement. Dogs are kept on leads for multiple reasons. They could be recovering from an injury, fearful, elderly or in training. Yes, some dogs are reactive, but if they're on a lead and are being kept under control, the owner isn't required to muzzle them.

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? My dog was off lead but their dog started it ?

Excluding retractable leads or long lines, (more on those later), if your dog is off lead and approaches an on lead dog resulting in an altercation, you're the one at fault. Under the legislation, your dog would be the one considered dangerously out of control. Think about it like this, if your dog were on a lead, would the altercation have happened?

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? Ok, so what about retractable leads or long lines? ?

Dogs CAN be out of control when using either of these tools. Due to their length, they can make controlling a dog difficult and they allow a dog to act as if it were not on a lead. Please be mindful when using them.

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? So what if both dogs are off lead? ?

If two or more off lead dogs get into a scrap, this is a civil matter as both owners are at fault.

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?? The legislation ??

Under section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it's an offence for the owner of a dog, or the person in charge of a dog to allow it to be dangerously out of control whether or not in a public place. This increases to an aggravated offence if the dog, whilst being out of control causes injury to any person or an assistance dog.

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In short, please be careful when allowing your dog off lead and be mindful of others around you.