In considering this issue, it’s important to make a clarification between two distinct issues. Firstly, there are certain breeds of dogs which are banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and then there are dogs which could be of any breed, big or small which, for one reason or another are simply nuisances and are, by their nature ‘dangerous’. These are also covered by the same Act.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
This bans anyone in the UK from owning, breeding or selling (whether that be here in the UK or to somebody from overseas) specific breeds of fighting dogs whether they be pure bred or cross-bred. The Pit Bull Terrier is the most obvious example but there are a number of other breeds, too.
You can be fined up to £5,000 for contravening this law and you could even receive a jail sentence of up to 6 months. The dog could also face being destroyed.
Another section of the Act is aimed at any breed of dog which becomes out of control when out in public places. If any dog acts in such a dangerous manner which results in an attack, then this constitutes a crime for which the fine, potential jail term and the fate of the dog could be the same as above. It’s usually the police who will have responsibility in dealing with a dangerous dog, although they can often work in conjunction with a dog warden in this regard.
However, it’s the police you should call if you have been attacked or intimidated by a dangerous dog. You should give them as much information as you can in terms of what happened, where the incident took place, and the breed of dog involved if you know it, or at least a general description of the dog and its owner if possible.
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If you feel a dog is about to attack you, you should stand still and not make any sudden movements. While keeping your eye on the dog (but not staring at it as that could provoke the dog), you should slowly back away from it. Try to remain calm and move backwards and away from its ‘territory’ and towards a place of safety.
If it’s About to Attack
If an attack from the dog is imminent, then you need to face it head on so you can see the point of attack coming. If you’ve got any deterrent on you, use it. It could be a bag you’re carrying or even a mobile phone or another heavy or sharp instrument you may have on your person. If you’ve sufficient time and you are wearing a coat, wrap it around your weaker arm as that’s the arm you’ll want to use for protection, while keeping your stronger arm available to club or hit the dog if need be.
If it’s a large dog, be prepared to brace yourself so that it doesn’t knock you to the floor if it pounces. Two important things to remember is to try to stay on your feet and, if possible, keep the dog away from your legs. If the dog does attack your legs you could fall to the floor and once grounded, you are far more vulnerable, especially to facial attacks.
However, if you do find yourself on the ground, roll onto your front and use your arms to cover your face and head.
If it turns out to get really serious, you’ll have no option but to try to fend the dog off by fighting back. A knee in its chest, a solid thump on the nose, or even poking it in the eye can cause the dog to back off. Shout for help and shout at the dog, too. These are all tactics that can prove useful and can prevent you from serious injury.
You should be careful, however, about using excessive force far beyond what might be needed to make the dog back off. If you find the dog is starting to retreat then, once again start backing away from it slowly. Don’t be tempted to wreak your revenge upon the dog, as that could not only provoke it into another attack. You will also be unnecessarily inflicting physical damage on the dog, beyond what’s required to fend it off and to make your escape, and you could face court proceedings.
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