London Dog Bite Reporting & Animal Control Bylaws

Public Safety England 4 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026 Flag of England

This guide explains how to report dog bites and how animal-control enforcement works in London, England. It covers who you should contact, what information to collect, the legal framework that local councils and the Metropolitan Police use, and practical next steps for victims, witnesses and dog owners. Use this as a practical checklist to get medical help, preserve evidence, and make official reports so local authorities can investigate and, where necessary, pursue enforcement or court action.

Penalties & Enforcement

In London, dangerous-dog offences and attacks are governed by national legislation and enforced locally by the Metropolitan Police and by borough councils through local orders and criminal sanctions. The primary statute for dangerous dogs is the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which provides the criminal framework for offences and seizure powers.Dangerous Dogs Act 1991[1] Councils may also use Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to set local dog controls; details on PSPO powers and processes are set out on gov.uk.Public Spaces Protection Orders guidance[2]

Report serious injuries to the police immediately and seek medical attention.

Typical enforcement features and what the official pages show or do not specify:

  • Fines: specific monetary amounts vary by offence and local order; exact fine figures are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Seizure and destruction: statutes authorise seizure of dogs suspected to be dangerous and, in serious cases, destruction orders under court process per the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.Dangerous Dogs Act 1991[1]
  • Court sanctions: prosecution in criminal courts may lead to convictions, and conviction routes are set out in statute; the cited legislation does not list standard monetary values for each sentencing outcome.
  • Enforcers: the Metropolitan Police investigate injuries caused by dogs; borough councils (environmental health or dog warden teams) enforce PSPOs and local notices. See Met Police guidance for reporting and local-council powers on PSPOs.Metropolitan Police - dogs advice[3]
  • Inspections and evidence: officers may inspect premises, seize dogs, take witness statements, and gather veterinary or medical reports in support of prosecutions or civil orders.
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes depend on the specific order or conviction; time limits and appeal procedures are set by statute or court rules and are not specified on the cited guidance pages.
If a bite breaks the skin, get medical help and keep a record of treatment and photos of the injury.

Applications & Forms

There is no single national form for reporting dog bites; victims should use the Metropolitan Police online reporting or the relevant borough council’s dog-warden or environmental-health complaint form. The gov.uk PSPO guidance explains local PSPO processes but does not publish a standard central application form or fixed fees for all councils, so check the borough page for forms, fees and submission methods.Public Spaces Protection Orders guidance[2]

How enforcement is typically carried out

  • Report: contact 999 for life-threatening injuries or 101/online Met Police reporting for non-life-threatening dog attacks.
  • Local complaint: submit an online complaint to the borough council’s dog warden or environmental health team with photos and witness details.
  • Evidence gathering: provide medical records, photos, witness contacts and any video to investigators.
  • Investigation: police or council officers may interview parties, arrange for dog seizure, and recommend prosecution or civil orders.

FAQ

Who should I contact first after a dog bite in London?
If the injury is serious or there is ongoing danger call 999; for non-emergency attacks report to the Metropolitan Police online or call 101, and notify your local borough council’s dog-warden or environmental health team.
Will the dog be seized?
Officers can seize a dog if it is believed to be dangerously out of control or poses a public-safety risk; the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 provides seizure powers and related court processes.Dangerous Dogs Act 1991[1]
Are there fixed fines?
Monetary penalties depend on the offence, local PSPO terms and court sentencing; specific fixed fine amounts are not specified on the cited guidance pages.

How-To

  1. Get medical treatment immediately and retain all clinical records and receipts.
  2. Collect evidence at the scene: photos of injuries, the dog, location details and witness names.
  3. Report the incident to the Metropolitan Police (999 for emergencies, 101 or online for non-emergencies) and to your borough council’s dog-warden or environmental health team.
  4. Follow up with any forms the council provides and respond to investigator requests for medical or veterinary records.
  5. If prosecuted and convicted or if a civil order is made, seek legal advice promptly about appeals and time limits for review.

Key Takeaways

  • For serious bites call 999; for non-emergency attacks report to the Met Police and your borough council.
  • Preserve medical records, photos and witness details to support investigations or prosecutions.
  • Local enforcement uses national Dangerous Dogs Act powers and borough PSPOs or notices where applicable.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 - legislation.gov.uk
  2. [2] Public Spaces Protection Orders guidance - gov.uk
  3. [3] Metropolitan Police - dogs advice

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