Dangerous dogs

Most dogs are not ‘Dangerous’ or aggressive

Like most humans, the majority of dogs will choose the quiet life if they can and stay away from trouble.

Dogs may try to deter intruders from entering ‘their’ area. This may be anything from a house, garden, vehicle or street. They will usually make lots of noise, have raised hackles, stiff legs and be trying to look bigger than they are. The simple response is to accept the invitation to go away.

Dogs, which are going to bite, will not usually ‘Shout’ at you first.

Most dog bites happen for one of two reasons. Either the dog is frightened or defensive, in which case, if you leave it alone, it will leave you alone, or it is dominant or aggressive. The second type tends to be quieter, trying to intimidate you and will readily accept anything it sees as a challenge.

What should you do?

  • Don't run away - This may provoke a chase and attack response
  • Keep facing the dog - But do not stare directly at it. Look slightly to the side
  • Don't scream - Unless you are being attacked, talk in a low, calm and soothing voice
  • Use the surroundings - Gates, fences, buildings, vehicles. Get inside a building or car. Go through a gate and close it. Keep your back to a wall, fence, building etc so that the dog cannot get behind you
  • Get to a place of safety - Then call the police or Council for assistance

Dangerous or aggressive dogs - What is a dangerous dog?

Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero. are all classed as ‘dangerous dogs’.

These dogs are classed as being dangerous because they were originally bred for their ability to fight. These dangerous dogs are prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).

Some common Pit Bull type names are: Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Type, American Staffordshire, Irish Staff, Irish Blue Staffordshire.

If an owner has a dog that they believe to be a prohibited type under the Dangerous Dog Act they should contact their local police who can assess the dog and provide advice.

If you suspect that someone owns an illegal dog you should contact the police on 0151 709 6010.

Aggressive dogs dangerously out of control:

The law also gives protection to the public from any type of dog, which is dangerously out of control in a public place, or in a private place where it has no right to be.

A Police Officer or Dog Warden may seize a banned dog or a dog that is dangerously out of control.

During normal working hours the Councils Animal Control & Welfare Service will investigate complaints of aggressive dogs, dogs dangerously out of control, or any dog attacks reported to them.

Outside normal working hours reports should be made to Merseyside Police

If you wish to report a dangerous dog, please contact Merseyside  Police on 0151 709 6010 or the Animal Control and Welfare service.

For further information and advice on dangerous dogs please visit the websites in the external links section of this page.