Dog attacks
Below you will find some useful information on
- avoiding dog attacks
- what to do if you are attacked by a dog
- what to do if you witness a dog attack.
Avoiding dog attacks
The below tips may help you avoid being attacked by a dog:
- Don't stare dogs in the eyes - dogs often feel as though you're challenging them when you make direct eye contact with them, so this should be avoided to reduce the risk of attack.
- Stand still - or maintain a constant slow pace out of the dog's territory if you are withdrawing.
- Never try to outrun a dog as this will provoke the dog to chase you and this can end in an attack.
- Start by slowly distancing yourself from the dog if it begins to approach you. Get something between yourself and it - for instance if you're on a bike, place the bike between you and the dog; if there is a tree post or bench, ensure they are between yourself and the dog. Once behind the object you can speak softly and gently to calm the dog.
- Do not use part of your body - e.g. an arm - to distance yourself from the dog as the dog may snap at you, causing injury.
- Keep a safe distance between yourself and dogs being walked on a lead, and always ask the owner's permission before approaching any dog.
- Be aware of areas that dogs frequent and change your route to avoid dogs which are not on leads.
What to do if a dog attacks you
- Call 999 (or ask somebody else to) as soon as it is possible to do so.
- Do not use part of your body - e.g. an arm - to distance yourself from the dog as the dog may snap at you, causing injury.
- If you are attacked or knocked to the ground, take measures to protect your face, neck and head by curling up in a ball and putting your hands on the back of your neck. Try to be still and do not wave your arms around.
What to do if you witness a dog attack
Residents who witness a dog attack should contact the emergency services immediately by dialling 999.
They should be prepared to give a witness statement, as this will enable the Police to take action against the owner - or person in charge of a dog - under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
A dog owner (or person in charge of a dog) commits an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 if their dog is out of control in a public place, or a place where that dog is are not permitted to be. Furthermore, if their dog is out of control and injures any person in a public place - or in a place where the dogs are not permitted to be - the owner (or person in charge of that dog) is guilty of an aggravated offence.
Page updated: 10 Sep 2010
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