Dog crime
There are a number of crimes related to dogs. These include:
- letting a dog be dangerously out of control, whether that’s in public or private
- owning or possessing a banned dog, like an XL Bully, unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption
- stealing a dog
Dogs out of control in public places
It’s an offence to let a dog be dangerously out of control whether that’s in public or private.
A dog is considered to be out of control if it:
- injures someone
- makes someone worried that it might injure them
A court could also decide that your dog is dangerously out of control if:
- it attacks someone’s animal
- the owner of an animal thinks they could be injured if they tried to stop your dog attacking their animal
Many parks and green spaces have signs asking dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead. Sometimes this is a legal requirement under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). This helps keep both people and wildlife safe, so make sure you follow any local rules that apply.
Please note, a farmer is allowed to kill your dog if it’s worrying their livestock.
If you see a dog loose, please report this online.
If the dog seems to be out of control, let us know by calling 101.
Banned dogs
In the UK, it's against the law to own certain types of dog. Whether your dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than its breed or name.
It's a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a valid Certificate of Exemption.
You can find more information about banned dogs.
If you think someone has or is breeding dogs, please report it online.
If you see a banned dog loose or it seems to be out of control, please report it online or call 101.
Dog theft
Before you report a dog theft to us, please make sure it hasn’t:
- escaped and run away
- been taken for a walk by someone else
If you think your dog has been stolen you can report it online.
Be ready to give us as much information as you can, including:
- name
- microchip number
- description
- when you last saw it
- what happened when it disappeared
- details of anyone who may have access to your dog
- descriptions of people or vehicles seen acting suspiciously in the area
You should also:
- tell your local council who may have a dog warden responsible for stray dogs
- tell your microchip database your dog is missing
- consider advertising for your dog on websites, at local vet’s and rescue centres, and on park notice boards
After reporting your dog stolen, if you find or recover them, please update us.
Useful links