Understanding Dog Control Law in Scotland

Understanding Dog Control Law in Scotland

Understanding Dog Control Law in Scotland

A general overview of the legislation commonly relevant to dog control, bite incidents and behavioural risk in Scotland.

A general overview of the legislation commonly relevant to dog control, bite incidents and behavioural risk in Scotland.

A general overview of the legislation commonly relevant to dog control, bite incidents and behavioural risk in Scotland.

This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Individual cases depend on their specific facts and circumstances.

Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010

Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010

This legislation focuses on prevention and responsible control. Local authorities may issue a Dog Control Notice where a dog’s behaviour causes reasonable alarm or apprehensiveness and the person responsible is not keeping the dog under effective and consistent control.

Preventative focus · Administered by local authorities · May involve a Dog Control Notice · Conditions may include keeping the dog on lead, muzzling, training or securing the property

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Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

This legislation includes offences involving dogs that are dangerously out of control. It may apply where a dog injures a person or where there are reasonable grounds to fear that an injury could occur. It also contains provisions relating to prohibited dog types.

May involve police and criminal proceedings · Applies to public and some private places · Injury is not always required for an offence · Courts may consider control measures, disqualification or destruction orders depending on the case

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The Differences

The Differences

The Differences

Where Behavioural Assessment Fits

Where Behavioural Assessment Fits

Where Behavioural Assessment Fits

Legislation establishes the legal framework. Behavioural assessment helps provide context. Independent behavioural evidence may assist owners, solicitors and courts in understanding the factors that contributed to an incident, evaluating current risk and considering realistic management or rehabilitation options.

Legislation establishes the legal framework. Behavioural assessment helps provide context. Independent behavioural evidence may assist owners, solicitors and courts in understanding the factors that contributed to an incident, evaluating current risk and considering realistic management or rehabilitation options.

Legislation establishes the legal framework. Behavioural assessment helps provide context. Independent behavioural evidence may assist owners, solicitors and courts in understanding the factors that contributed to an incident, evaluating current risk and considering realistic management or rehabilitation options.

Incident Context

Reviewing what happened before, during and after the incident.

Current Risk

Assessing triggers, predictability, severity, welfare and management.

Future Options

Considering practical risk reduction, rehabilitation potential and appropriate safeguards.

What Is a Dog Control Notice?

What Is a Dog Control Notice?

What Is a Dog Control Notice?

A Dog Control Notice is issued by a local authority and may require the person responsible for the dog to follow specific conditions intended to bring the dog under effective and consistent control.

A Dog Control Notice is issued by a local authority and may require the person responsible for the dog to follow specific conditions intended to bring the dog under effective and consistent control.

A Dog Control Notice is issued by a local authority and may require the person responsible for the dog to follow specific conditions intended to bring the dog under effective and consistent control.

Examples may include: keeping the dog on a lead · muzzle use · behaviour or training support · neutering where specified · property security measures · informing the authority of address or ownership changes

The exact conditions depend on the individual case.

What To Do If You Are Concerned

What To Do If You Are Concerned

What To Do If You Are Concerned

1. Secure the dog and prevent further incidents.

1. Secure the dog and prevent further incidents.

2. Record the circumstances while details are fresh.

2. Record the circumstances while details are fresh.

3. Seek veterinary assessment where pain or illness may be relevant.

3. Seek veterinary assessment where pain or illness may be relevant.

4. Obtain legal advice if police, a local authority or court proceedings are involved.

4. Obtain legal advice if police, a local authority or court proceedings are involved.

5. Seek an independent behavioural assessment where behaviour, welfare or future risk requires professional evaluation.

5. Seek an independent behavioural assessment where behaviour, welfare or future risk requires professional evaluation.

Need Behavioural Evidence or Support?

Need Behavioural Evidence or Support?

Need Behavioural Evidence or Support?

We provide independent behavioural assessments, risk evaluations and professional reports for owners, solicitors and organisations across Scotland.

We provide independent behavioural assessments, risk evaluations and professional reports for owners, solicitors and organisations across Scotland.

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