Policy on dangerous dogs

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.030539

I note you seek access to the following information:

I have been adviced to contact yourself for a freedom of information request regarding your dangerous dogs policy.

I am trying to gather reasearch on the laws and legislations in force at present and to understand the training and policy’s the police force have when it comes to dangerous dogs.

If you could help me with providing the following information;

1 - training officers receive in regards to dangerous dogs

2 - policies and procedures for police officers in regards to dangerous dogs

3 - actions that can and cannot be taken by officers in regards to dangerous dogs

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - training officers receive in regards to dangerous dogs

This depends on what department the ‘officers’ are based. For example:
• Officers on the Dog Support Unit and Status Dog Unit are dangerous dog handling trained with the ability to deal with dogs through the use of slip leads, treats, dog poles, shields, dog control shields and dog deterrent spray. Such officers would be the first port of call for attending dangerous dog incidents to support frontline policing colleagues.
• Firearms trained officers have the capability to neutralise a dangerous dog which is a risk of injury to the general public/police or otherwise so dangerous it cannot be contained.
• Frontline policing would rely on yearly officer safety training and issued PPE/TASER.

Q2 - policies and procedures for police officers in regards to dangerous dogs

• Policies and procedures are dictated by existing legislation which can be found under the Dangerous Dog Act 1991 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which can be read/downloaded open source on the internet.

Dangerous Dog Act 1991

Animal Welfare Act 2006

Q3 - actions that can and cannot be taken by officers in regards to dangerous dogs

• If force then it would depend on the circumstances of the incident plus the threat and risk of such a dog to the owner/walker, agencies, general public and Police. If powers under legislation then again I would point back to the existing legislation for these answers which are available open source by the requester.