In order to provide complete functionality, this web site needs your explicit consent to store browser cookies. If you don't allow cookies, you may not be able to use certain features of the web site; it is recommended that you allow all cookies.

This site uses cookies to analyse how our visitors use it, to allow us to provide optimised content and to help us provide a better overall experience for our visitors whilst browsing.

Back
Close

Legal services for individuals

We can help with legal issues in a number of areas, including personal injuries, disputes over things you have bought, or problems at work.

Have a look to see how we can help, and how you can access our services.

Our satisfied customers

Hear about some of the problems that we have helped to solve.

Read more
Close

Legal services for businesses

Running a business comes with enough challenges without the added complication of legal problems.

We could help you to deal with commercial and employee disputes, as well as helping you with the setting-up of your business.

How we help businesses

We have helped many businesses with their legal issues.

Read more
Close

Company Overview

DAS Law is part of a group that has been helping individuals and businesses get access to justice for over 40 years.

Our legal services are designed to be appropriate for your needs, with advice that is as clear and jargon-free as possible.

DAS Law blog

Our insights can help you learn more about everyday legal issues.

Read more
  • Menu
  • Contact
  • Privacy

DAS Law blog

Contact

Privacy

When a dog bites another dog

Although most dogs are well behaved, sometimes they are inclined to act aggressively towards other dogs. But what can you do if your pet is attacked by someone else’s dog, and what can you expect if your dog harms another?

27th April 2018

Has your dog been attacked or bitten by another dog under the supposed control of someone else? If you wish to take action against the owner of the belligerent beast you may be looking to gain information on dog bites in dog law and animal law.

The law

The biting of dogs by other dogs could be viewed as something of a grey area of law. Each case may be seen differently, with a key issue being the notion of whether the hound responsible for delivering the attack is deemed to have been adequately controlled by its owner.

This is because the law says that it is an offence for a dog owner to allow their dog to be “dangerously out of control”. 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.

A court will be able to make a decision on the circumstances surrounding the attack and whether or not an offence was committed.

It is illegal for a dog to be dangerously out of control anywhere, including in public and private spaces and even in the dog owner’s own home, so the location of the incident is likely to be irrelevant if your dog has been attacked.

The location of the incident is likely to be irrelevant if your dog has been attacked.

The punishment for allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control can be any combination of the following:

  • 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.
  • No more walkies.

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.

What you need to know to buy a puppy responsibly

Larna Mason, legal adviser at DAS Law, gives us the key facts on the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.

September 2018 Learn more
Offences and punishments under the Animal Welfare Act

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 is a piece of legislation which aims to ensure that animals are not mistreated by humans, whether through improper care or sheer cruelty.

April 2018 Learn more

Previous

What to do when a loved one dies

Next

When home improvements go wrong

Read more from the DAS Law blog

Family disputes , Property disputes , General advice Everybody Needs Good Neighbours. But What Can Be Done If Someone Refuses To Be Neighbourly?

April 2019
General advice Don’t let the law come calling when using your mobile phone while driving

Sam Phillips, a trainee solicitor at DAS Law, gives us the low-down on the law on mobile phones and driving.

April 2019
Holiday disputes , General advice Skipping school for a holiday could land parents in detention

The increased cost of holidaying during a busy season may tempt parents to take their children out of school a little early to keep costs down, but what does the law say about taking your child out of school during term time?

April 2019
General advice Your precious pooch could land you in the pound

What if your dog isn’t as well behaved as the show dogs? Can man’s best friend get you in trouble with the law? Sarah Garner, solicitor from DAS Law, tells you what you need to know.

March 2019
General advice Your legal rights if you have private photos leaked

With Jeff Bezos, the richest man in modern history, hitting the headlines recently for apparent leaked texts and compromising photos, it raises a number of important issues and brings into question – is anyone safe from this kind of attack?

February 2019
General advice If your engagement doesn't have a happy ending, who gets the ring?

If your fiancé(e) or unexpectedly breaks off the engagement, who gets to keep the engagement ring?

February 2019
General advice , Protecting your business 6 things you need to know about missing the 31 January self-assessment deadline

With 31 January deadline fast approaching, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has warned that 5,542,000 taxpayers have still to complete their Self-Assessment tax returns. What can you do if you miss the deadline?

January 2019
General advice , Property disputes Ho-ho-home invasion: is Father Christmas trespassing?

When he enters your home, is Father Christmas actually trespassing? If he does so without your expressed permission, could he be prosecuted?

December 2018
General advice Beware the perils of sharing colleagues’ Christmas party antics on social media

Are people allowed to record and share your more embarrassing moments without your permission? What does the law have to say?

December 2018
General advice The school nativity – danger in the manger?

Antony DiPalma, solicitor at DAS Law, looks at the photographic minefield of the school nativity play.

December 2018
General advice , Employment disputes The dos and don’ts of the office Christmas party

Hannah Parsons, solicitor at DAS Law, has the following advice to ensure that your office party does not result in writs and recriminations.

December 2018
General advice Can being a have-a-go hero land you in trouble with the law?

What can you do, and what can’t you do, when it comes to tackling and apprehending the bad guys?

November 2018
General advice Wearing a poppy at work

Can your boss stop you from wearing a poppy at work? Alexandra Owen, senior associate at DAS Law, tells employers and employees what they need to know.

November 2018