Dog attacks
Community Protection Notices
A Community Protection Notice could be used in circumstances where:
- the dog is causing a nuisance, but no offence is committed under the Dangerous Dogs Act
- the dog's behaviour is persistent, unreasonable and negatively affects the quality of life of people or animals
A Community Protection Notice can order the responsible person to:
- stop doing something
- do specified things, such as keeping a dog on a lead at all times or muzzling a dog
If you fail to comply with a Community Protection Notice, you can get an on the spot fine of £100 and / or prosecution in a Magistrates' court, where you can be fined up to £2,500 and forced to pay costs.
These powers mean that in certain circumstances, the police and Council can take action before a dog becomes dangerously out of control. Action will be taken in stages, and evidence of the problem will be needed.