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Written by Paul
Dr Paul Manktelow is a vet who’s worked for almost 20 years on the front line in some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. As Chief Vet in the Charity Sector, he leads a team of vets and nurses that treat thousands of pets every year. Paul also appears regularly in the media as a TV and radio presenter, writer, public speaker and podcast producer.
Most UK dog owners trust their pets implicitly. “My dog would never hurt anyone” is something we hear time and again. Yet under UK law, you could still face prosecution, even if your dog has never bitten, and even if you warned someone to keep their distance.
In fact, according to the PDSA’s PAW Report, 27% of UK households own a dog. With over 11 million dogs sharing our streets, parks, and homes, the potential for misunderstandings, and legal consequences, has never been higher. Recent NHS figures show an 88% rise in hospital admissions for dog-related injuries in the last 15 years.
The surprising part? Many cases involve much-loved family pets, and many owners have no idea they’re on the wrong side of the law until it’s too late.
The Law Every Dog Owner Should Know
At the heart of this issue is Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. It states that if your dog is “dangerously out of control” in a public or private place, you can be prosecuted.
Here’s the crucial detail:
- A bite isn’t required. If someone feels threatened by your dog, you can still be held responsible.
- This applies in public spaces and private spaces, including your own home.
- It applies to all breeds, not just those labelled as “dangerous.”
Perhaps most surprising of all, “no” is not a defence. If you tell someone not to stroke your dog and they do it anyway, you could still be liable if the dog reacts. In the eyes of the law, you weren’t in full control.
Common Scenarios That Can Lead to Trouble
Many responsible owners end up in legal hot water because of situations they never saw coming. Here are a few real-world examples:
- Off-lead encounters in the park
- Your dog is on a lead. Another dog rushes over and a scuffle breaks out. If a person intervenes and is injured, you could face legal consequences, even if your dog didn’t start it.
- Livestock chasing in the countryside
- A moment’s lapse in recall can result in sheep worrying incidents, which fall under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
- Visitor interactions at home
- A delivery driver or guest feels threatened by your dog, even without contact. This can still count as “dangerously out of control.”
Why “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” Applies Here
Dog law is unusual in that, if your dog is accused of being out of control, you’re presumed guilty unless you can prove otherwise. To safeguard yourself, you need to show you’ve been a responsible owner throughout your dog’s life.
This means:
- Consistent training and socialisation.
- Using a lead when appropriate, ideally under 1.5 metres, for maximum control.
- Avoiding situations that could cause your dog to react.
Protecting Your Dog – and Yourself
Preventing incidents is about more than following the law; it’s about protecting your dog from situations where they might make a mistake.
Practical steps include:
- Short lead in busy areas – avoid flexi-leads in public spaces.
- Clear communication – ask other owners to leash their dogs if needed.
- Positive recall training – reliable recall keeps your dog and others safe.
- Know their body language – spotting early signs of stress can prevent escalation.
When Education Makes the Difference
The Responsible Dog Ownership Course (RDOC), run by Blue Cross in partnership with over 20 police forces, was created to help owners avoid these pitfalls. Many attendees had no idea their actions, or inaction, could result in legal consequences. The course focuses on dog law, body language, and practical safety tips, turning potentially high-risk situations into opportunities for safer, happier walks.
Listen to the Full Conversation
For real-life examples, legal insights, and practical tips direct from Blue Cross education officer Gemma Taylor, listen to our full discussion on The Consult Room podcast:
🎧 Could Your Dog Land You in Court? Why Responsible Dog Ownership Matters
In today’s climate, it’s not enough to trust your dog’s good nature. Understanding the law, anticipating risks, and keeping your dog under control at all times are the best ways to protect both of you.
Because when it comes to dog law, prevention isn’t just better than cure, it could save your dog’s life.
