How do I report a dangerous dog bite in London?

Call 999 for emergencies. For non-emergencies report to the Metropolitan Police non-emergency channels and notify your local borough dog-control or environmental health team; use the Metropolitan Police and borough reporting pages linked in the article.

Who enforces dangerous dog laws in London?

The Metropolitan Police enforces criminal offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and local borough councils enforce local dog-control measures such as PSPOs and fixed-penalty notices.

Can the dog be seized or destroyed?

Yes; seizure and destruction orders are among the possible non-monetary sanctions under applicable law and court orders, depending on the investigation outcome.

Report Dangerous Dog Bite - London Law Guide

Public Safety England 3 Minutes Read · published February 02, 2026

In London, England, knowing how to report a dangerous dog bite helps protect victims and ensures enforcement of dog-safety laws. This guide explains which London authorities respond, the legal basis for action, practical reporting steps, likely sanctions, and how to appeal. If someone is injured or a dog poses an immediate threat call emergency services first; for non-emergencies use local police or borough reporting channels outlined below.

Penalties & Enforcement

The primary legal basis for criminal enforcement of dangerous dogs in England is the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. For London incidents this Act is enforced by the Metropolitan Police and may be supplemented by local council measures such as Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and dog-control enforcement by borough dog wardens or environmental health teams. Dangerous Dogs Act 1991^[2] For operational reporting and investigation, contact the Metropolitan Police advice pages or local borough reporting systems. Metropolitan Police - dogs advice^[1]

Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for a standard fixed amount; see the cited law and local council pages for borough-specific penalty levels.
Court sanctions: criminal proceedings under the Dangerous Dogs Act may result in court orders; specific sentencing amounts or custody terms are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary orders: seizure of the animal, destruction orders, and control orders are possible under the Dangerous Dogs Act or by court direction.
Enforcers: Metropolitan Police for criminal offences and local borough dog wardens/environmental health for local control orders and PSPO enforcement.
Inspections and evidence: officers may collect veterinary reports, witness statements, and photographic evidence during investigations.
Appeals and reviews: criminal convictions and orders are subject to appeals through the courts; specific statutory time limits are not specified on the cited pages and will depend on the charge or order.

Report serious injuries to emergency services immediately.

Applications & Forms

There is no single national "dangerous-dog" application form published by the cited pages; reporting is done via police reporting routes or local borough complaint forms where available. For immediate danger call 999; for non-emergencies contact the Metropolitan Police non-emergency channels or your borough council’s dog-control reporting page. The cited Metropolitan Police and legislation pages do not publish a single mandatory form for victims.

Keep a written record of witnesses, dates and medical visits when you report a bite.

Common Violations

Unprovoked biting or attacking a person or animal.
Failure to leash or control a dog in public where local PSPOs require it.
Owners not complying with court orders, microchipping or other statutory requirements.

Action Steps

If anyone is seriously injured call 999 immediately.
Report the incident to the Metropolitan Police via their advice/reporting page for dog incidents and to your local borough council dog-control team.
Preserve evidence: photos, vet reports, witness names and contact details, and medical records.
Follow up in writing with the investigating authority and keep copies of all correspondence.

FAQ

How do I report a dangerous dog bite in London?: Call 999 for emergencies. For non-emergencies report to the Metropolitan Police non-emergency channels and notify your local borough dog-control or environmental health team; use the Metropolitan Police and borough reporting pages linked below.
Who enforces dangerous dog laws in London?: The Metropolitan Police enforces criminal offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and local borough councils enforce local dog-control measures such as PSPOs and fixed-penalty notices.
Can the dog be seized or destroyed?: Yes; seizure and destruction orders are among the possible non-monetary sanctions under applicable law and court orders, depending on the investigation outcome.

How-To

Ensure immediate safety: separate the dog from people and animals and call 999 if anyone is seriously injured.
Obtain urgent medical care and keep records of all treatment and diagnoses.
Collect evidence: photos of injuries and the scene, details of the dog and owner if known, and witness contact information.
Report the incident to the Metropolitan Police using their dogs advice/reporting page or by contacting local officers.^[1]
File a report with your local borough council dog-control or environmental health team and follow their instructions for complaints or enforcement.
Keep copies of police reports and council correspondence and ask about appeal or review procedures if an enforcement decision is made.

Key Takeaways

For emergencies call 999; otherwise use police and borough reporting routes.
Preserve medical and witness evidence to support enforcement.
Both the Metropolitan Police and local councils have enforcement roles under national and local powers.