Aggressive and dangerous dogs, bites and ban areas

Reports of dog bites are investigated by both South Ribble Borough Council and the police.
 
If you have been bitten by a dog, the incident needs to be reported to the police who investigate dog bites on people.  This can be done by visiting your local police station or calling Lancashire Constabulary on 0845 125 35 45. 

The council investigates incidents involving dog bites to other dogs (and other pets).
 
Dogs can show aggression for a number of reasons.  It may be protecting its territory, it may be frightened or it may be in pain.  The best way to deal with an aggressive dog is to leave it alone.

Dogs must be under control at all times (on a lead if untrained/unsociable, muzzled if the dog has a suspect temperament).

Owners can be prosecuted for allowing dogs to bite people or attack other dogs. Dogs are not allowed in public children's play areas, and all dogs should be on leads on roads, footways and grass verges.

Dog ban areas

Rules are in place to prevent dogs from entering South Ribble's fenced children's play areas.

Report a dog off a lead

Agressive dogs and dog bites

Any dog has the potential to be dangerous, especially around very small children. Dogs should always be supervised. It is against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere such as:

• in a public space
• in a private place, for example a neighbour's house or garden 
• in the owners home  

Report a dangerous dog

If you see a dog out of control, whether or not it is one of the dangerous dog types, dial 999. 

For advice on whether your dog is one of the listed breeds, or to report a suspicious dog belonging to someone else, call Lancashire police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If your dog or cat has been attacked by another dog, then this should be reported to us for investigation, please email info@southribble.gov.uk to report it to us or call 01772 625625.

If you or somebody else has been bitten by a dog then this should be reported to Lancashire Police by calling 101 or 999 if there is an immediate risk. 

Dangerous Dogs Act

The law applies to all dogs however, there are four types of dog which are prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991 as amended in 1997).

They are Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero type dogs.

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.

A dog could be considered out of control if it makes a person reasonably fear injury to themselves or others.