Dangerous dogs
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 lists certain breeds of dogs, namely:
- The Pit Bull Terrier
- The Japanese Tosa
- The Dogo Argentino
- The Fila Brasiliero
It is illegal to own any of these dogs without specific exemption from a court.
However, any dog may be considered to be dangerous under the above Act. An offence is committed by the owner of the dog and by any other person in charge of it at the time, if the dog is dangerously out of control. A more serious offence will be committed if the dog while so out of control injures a person.
If you are concerned about a dangerous dog, firstly contact the Lincolnshire Police on 999 (if it is an emergency) or on 101 (if you are not in immediate danger).
You should also make our Animal Warden aware of a dangerous dog by contacting the Public Protection and Anti-Social Behaviour Team on 01522 873378 or by email on ppasb@lincoln.gov.uk
General advice
- Do not approach a strange dog, especially one which is tied up or confined
- Before you attempt to approach a dog, ask permission from the owner. Let the dog become familiar with you by allowing it to see and sniff the back of your closed hand
- Never leave children unsupervised with any dog, no matter how trustworthy
If threatened by a dog:
- Stand still
- Do not scream
- Avoid eye contact, but don’t lose sight of the dog. Try to remain motionless
- Keep your hands reasonably high. Moving hands tend to be the first to be bitten
- Use any object in your hand, like a shopping bag, to block the approach of a dog. If you are a cyclist, dismount and position your bicycle between you and the dog
- If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and play dead
- Do not ever turn your back on the dog
- Never, ever, run