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News Information
Telephone: 01772-412444 Website: www.lancashire.police.uk
Engagement@lancashire.pnn.police.uk Corporate Communications, PO Box 77, Hutton, Preston, Lancashire PR4 5SB
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lancspolice Facebook: www.facebook.com/lancspolice
www.facebook.com/lancspolice
Police
host ‘dangerous’ dog surgeries
Lancashire Police are holding dog surgeries across the county this week to encourage
responsible ownership and tackle the issue of ‘dangerous dogs’.
Events will be held between 12pm and 8pm in Blackburn (23rd July), Blackpool (24th July)
and Preston (25th July). Members of the public who have concerns about whether or not
they own a banned breed are being asked to book an appointment and bring their dog
along where specialist dog handlers and dog identification officers will be on hand to
assess their dog and decide if further action is required.
The purpose of the events is to educate the public about the recent changes in dog
legislation and to provide help and advice to dog owners who have questions or concerns
about the breed of their dog, and identify any dogs that are prohibited under the
Dangerous Dogs Act. All owners are being reassured that they will be treated
professionally and sensitively.
Officers are also hoping that the events will help them to generate intelligence about
potential dangerous dogs.
Inspector Mark Baines said: “We know there are dogs out there that pose a risk to the
community and even to their owners. Any dog breed has the potential to be dangerous,
especially around very small children. Sadly this is evident by the number of dog bite
incidents that get reported both to us and other forces on a regular basis, some with tragic
consequences.
“We understand that it may be a very difficult decision for pet owners to come forward but
we would urge anybody that owns a dog and has any concerns about its breed to bring it
along in order to comply with the legislation.
“Even if a dog is found to be a banned breed we can guide owners through the court
process. It may still be possible for dog owners to keep their pet, subject to certain
restrictions. Destruction of any animal will be an absolute last resort, there are ways we
can help them keep their pet safety.”
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These events follow an extension to the law on Dangerous Dogs in May 14 2014 which
made it an offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control in all places, including the
dog owner’s home, protecting people such as postal workers, health professionals and
children.
So far this year Lancashire Police have seized 144 dogs, of which 113 were banned
breeds. 23 of the dogs assessed as being a banned breed dog have been kept by their
owners after a court agreed a contingent destruction order. This means the dog has to be
neutered, tattooed, micro-chipped, insured and be muzzled and in control of someone over
16 when in public. Six owners have also been prosecuted under Sec 3 of the Dangerous
Dog Act.
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Everyone is all too
familiar with the devastating and tragic consequences that can occur as a result of people
owning out-of-control and dangerous dogs.
"I am fully supportive of the Constabulary's efforts to protect people and keep communities
safe, and I would urge anyone who is concerned about their pet to visit the surgery and put
their mind at ease.
"Ultimately, we all want to prevent further tragedies in the county, and this is an excellent
opportunity for dog owners to get the help, support and advice they might need. Please
don't wait until it's too late to do that."
Animal welfare is also a key concern for the operation as often banned breeds are rarely
exercised owing to their temperament and are often found to be kept in poor conditions.
Insp Baines continued: “Our message is simple; we have a responsibility to protect people
and keep communities safe. If you are in any doubt whether your dog is a banned breed
don’t wait for us to knock on your door, book an appointment and come and see us.
“Equally if you have any concerns about a dog in your community please pick up the
phone and let us know – we will enforce the law and take any necessary action.”
Members of the public with any concerns about dangerous dogs are encouraged to go
along to the surgeries and speak with the force Dog Legislation Officers.
Alternatively police are urging anyone who suspects they know someone with a banned
type of dog to contact Police on 101 or to ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555
111.
If you see a dog out of control, whether or not it is one of the dangerous dog types, dial
999. Stray dogs should be reported to the council dog warden service.
Legislation
Four types of dog are prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act: Pit bull terriers, Japanese
Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero. The Act deliberately uses the word ‘type’ as the
law does not only apply to ‘pure’ breeds. Types are defined by the physical and
behavioural characteristics of the prohibited dog.
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While it is an offence to own a dangerous dog, if the dog attacks someone the offence
becomes much more serious and carries far greater penalties.
A dog owner faces up to 14 years imprisonment if a person dies as a result of a dog
attack; five years imprisonment if a person is injured by a dog attack and • three years
imprisonment if an assistance dog is either killed or injured.
The maximum prison sentence for an owner whose dog kills a person went up from two
years to 14 years in May 2014. This is consistent with current maximum sentences; for
example causing death by dangerous driving.
Owners who deliberately set their dogs on someone can already get life imprisonment for
manslaughter or murder if the victim dies.
The dog surgeries will take place between 12pm and 8pm:
Wednesday 23rd July 2014 –Blackburn Police Station, Greenbank Business Park off
Whitebirk Drive Blackburn BB1 3HT
Thursday 24th July 2014 – Blackpool Police Station, Bonny Street Blackpool FY1 5RL.
Friday 25th July 2014 – Preston Operations Centre, Lancaster Road North Preston PR1
2SA.
Please email lancashirepolice@lancashire.pnn.police.uk to book an appointment.
You will need to provide your name, address, telephone number, preferred station
and time. Alternatively you can call us on 101.
Inspector Mark Baines will be hosting a live Facebook chat about dangerous dogs on
Tuesday 21st July between 5pm and 6pm. You can join in here:
https://www.facebook.com/lancspolice
For further dog ownership help and advice please visit: https://www.gov.uk/control-dogpublic
ENDS
18/07/2014
Earlier today I sent a message out re the Blackpool Dangerous Dog Surgery -- it
has now closed (was supposed to close at 8pm).
If you want an appointment please phone PC John Willan on 07908833687.
Thank you.
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