Incidents involving dogs in the South Wales Police Force area where injuries to members of the public have been caused.

South Wales Police are aware of a number of recent incidents involving dogs in our force area where injuries to members of the public have been caused.

Whilst we recognise that the majority of dog owners are responsible, we wish to remind others that they have a legal responsibility to keep their dog/s under control.

It is an offence to let a dog be dangerously out of control whether that’s in public or private.

By law, a dog doesn’t have to carry out a physical attack to be considered dangerous. It is also considered dangerously out of control if it causes a person to fear being harmed by the dog, even if harm or injury is not actually caused.

Where injury does occur then it is an automatic aggravated offence and, upon a successful conviction, is open to a higher sentence by the court.

We are working with colleagues in other agencies to educate owners and reduce the risk where we can.

The Dogs Trust provide useful advice

The Dogs Trust provide useful advice on how to ensure dogs and children can live safely together: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/…/staying-safe-around-dogs

Please report any concerns you have via:

🗪 Live Chat https://www.south-wales.police.uk/

Report online https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ro/report