It’s against the law to own certain dog breeds or own any dog that’s dangerously out of control. However, some heart-breaking situations can be avoided with the help of an expert lawyer.
What is a dangerous dog?
The Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits people from owning, breeding or knowingly buying, selling, giving away, or abandoning Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, XL Bullies or any dog which appears to have been bred expressly for fighting. It is also an offence for anyone to allow a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control. This could mean that it has hurt someone, or another animal, or made someone frightened it will hurt them or frightened to rescue their own dog from it.
Choose a solicitor who specialises in dangerous dog cases
The specialist defence team at Stryders has significant experience of helping people accused of owning a dangerous dog. We understand this very complicated and emotive area of UK law and can act swiftly and proactively to establish the facts and explore all your options, giving you clear, robust advice on the course of action likely to deliver the best outcome for you and your pet.
All our discussions are confidential, and we can visit you at home or in custody if necessary.
What to do next if…
An allegation has been made
Contact us as soon as you’re aware of an allegation, even if you have not been arrested or asked to attend the police station voluntarily. This puts you in the best possible position as it means we can take urgent steps to secure evidence if necessary.
You have been arrested or asked to attend a police station for a voluntary interview
Don’t be tempted to talk to the police, even to deny the allegation, without taking good legal advice, as statements made in the early stages can have a huge impact on the outcome of the case. We offer 24/7 police station assistance. Ask for Stryders by name at the police station. It’s free and we will represent you during your interview.
You have been asked to attend court
If you do not already have a solicitor to represent you, now is the time to contact us urgently. We will prepare your case and represent you at magistrates’ court, crown court or the Court of Appeal. Where necessary, we can instruct a barrister on your behalf and will always liaise with you throughout the process.
Key facts about dangerous dog offences
- For people who knowingly own, breed or dispose of a prohibited breed, even if it is under control, dogs can be destroyed and, in the most serious cases, their owners could be imprisoned for up to six months with a hefty fine. A compassionate, expert Stryders solicitor will make sure you do everything possible to avoid these two outcomes.
- If you acquired a dangerous dog unknowingly, or the breed was designated dangerous after you got it, you are unlikely to be prosecuted but your dog may still be humanely destroyed unless you can prove it is not dangerous. Stryders’ specialists can help you put together an application for an exemption.
- Sometimes it is a matter of opinion if a dog is really one of the dangerous breeds and the decision of the police or council expert who examined its characteristics could be challenged. Stryders’ experts can help you find an expert to support your case.
- Any breed of dog which is thought to be dangerously out of control risks being seized by the police. If that dog has seriously hurt someone, even if that was not your intention, a court order will almost certainly be issued to have it destroyed, and you could face up to 14 years in prison, a fine, compensation and be banned from owning another dog for a period of time. The sooner you talk to Stryders the better as we will help you put forward the best possible case for your dog and you.
Advice for people facing a dangerous dog charge
If your dog has been seized and is facing destruction, or you are accused of any offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act, get legal advice immediately, especially if you have been arrested or asked to attend the police station for an interview. Legal representation at a police station is completely FREE for anyone. Ask for Stryders by name.
It is very important that you do not say anything to the police until you have spoken to a lawyer, as any early statements, even a denial, could seriously limit your options later on. Stryders’ defence specialists are available 24/7 and will support you at the police station completely FREE. We will find out as much as we can about the case against you and then discuss your circumstances with you in private before you go in for your official interview, following up on your behalf afterwards to find out whether the case is likely to continue.
We can also apply for a stay of destruction for your pet, while you put your case together.
Specialist legal support for people facing a dangerous dog charge
We understand how you feel
We understand how upsetting and emotional the potential destruction of your pet and a criminal accusation can be. Stryders specialists are compassionate dog lovers too. You can be sure of our complete attention. You’ll be assigned a named legal expert who will have access to all the expertise in our wider team and will work you in a completely discreet and confidential way.
You’ll get the best legal advice for your situation
All our specialist solicitors are highly respected among both the police and the justice system. They will work proactively and closely with you on the specific elements of your case and present options to bring the case to the best possible conclusion. This includes liaising with the police, making sure you are kept informed of what’s happening and providing continued clear advice and robust guidance.
You’ll have access to representation 24/7
We work tirelessly to ensure all relevant evidence is disclosed to us and thoroughly reviewed to bring matters to a speedy termination wherever possible and are available to support you at a police interview 24/7. If necessary, we will take steps to secure evidence or commission expert witnesses to support your defence. If the case reaches court, we will represent you in any hearings. Our higher court lawyers have experience in representing people all the way up to the Court of Appeal and we can instruct a barrister where necessary.
We travel anywhere from London and the SouthEast to nationally
Our expert assistance extends to anywhere in the country. You can come to one of our offices in St Albans, Leighton Buzzard or Stevenage, or we can visit you at a neutral location or in prison or in custody if necessary.
Competitive legal fees for defending dangerous dog offences
If you are going to be interviewed under caution by a police officer, you are entitled to FREE legal representation at the police station, whatever your financial circumstances. Ask for Stryders by name. Unlike many duty solicitors, we will contact the police after your interview to see if there’s anything else you need to do as part of our service.
Then, if you face criminal proceedings, our criminal defence lawyers will guide and support you at every stage for a very competitive fee.
We may also be able to offer a fixed fee or provide a FREE assessment for legal aid if appropriate.