Dangerous dogs
Title: Public nuisance
Offence: Dangerous dogs
Legislation: Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 Section 3
Commencement Date:
Mode of Trial: Either Way
Statutory Limitations & Maximum Penalty: 2 Years or a fine or both
Sentencing Range:
Aggravating & Mitigating Factors
Level of injury caused
Relevant Sentencing Guidelines (If Any)
None
Relevant Sentencing Case Law
R v Cox [2004] 2 Cr App R (S) 54
D owned 5 dogs. Attacked 7 yr old boy causing multiple wounds requiring surgery. Prison 3 months. Banned from keeping dog for 10 years.
R v Haynes [2004] 2 Cr App R(S) 9
D owned 3 dogs which attacked 8 yr old girl causing multiple minor wounds. Forfeiture and disqualification. No imprisonment.
Sentencing point. - The powers of the courts to order dog owners to behave in restrictive fashion are limited.
See Section 4A of the Act for powers available to court.
Ancillary Orders:
Consider Also:
Section 143 PCC(S) A 2000 which allows court to forfeit dog without ordering destruction.
Prosecutors should also note Section 4(6) of the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Links:
