Dog Aggression to People
Aggression towards people can have far-reaching implications due to the profound impact this issue can have, not only for you as the owner but also for your dog, particularly in relation to the Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) and its effects when it is enforced.
It is considered an offence for the owner or the person responsible for a dog to allow that dog to be deemed 'dangerously out of control' in public places, as well as in certain other specified areas where dogs are typically not permitted. Additionally, the law has been amended to extend its reach, incorporating your home as a relevant location where dangerous behaviour may also be scrutinised, so the implications of this legislation now extend even further than before.
A dangerously out of control dog can be defined as a dog that has caused injury to someone, or in situations where a person has reasonable grounds to believe that the dog could pose a potential risk of harm to them. For instance, when a dog under your care engages in chasing, barking at, or jumping up at a person or child, it could potentially lead to a formal complaint, which emphasises the need to ensure that your dog is under proper control at all times. If, in the unfortunate circumstance that your dog injures a person, it could be seized by the police, and the penalty you face may include a prison sentence or in some cases, a ban on keeping dogs altogether.
There is also an automatic presumption that your dog might be destroyed unless you can successfully convince the court that your dog does not pose a danger to the public; in such cases, your dog may be subject to a control order. Alongside this, you may also be required to pay fines, compensation to the victim, and other associated costs. The following breeds are banned under the Dangerous Dog Act: XL Bully, American Pit Bull Terriers, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, and Japanese Tosa.
I have concerns that this list may expand in the future, largely due to the poor management and handling of specific breeds when they fall into the wrong hands -.I have just added the XL Bully on to this l.ist, so which breeds could be next?
It is crucial to acknowledge that any dog has the potential for aggressive behaviour, and the seriousness of such behaviour should not be underestimated given the underlying implications it carries. Addressing all forms of aggressive behaviour takes considerable time, consistent patience, and effort, and even then, it requires a detailed management plan to ensure ongoing safety and proper rehabilitation.
