Canine Law - Information Guide for dog owners.

Dog Law - Animals Act 1971 :

Animals Act 1971:

Under this Act you could be held liable to pay compensation in a civil action brought, for any damage caused by your dog.

Liability rests with the keeper – the person in possession/in control of a dog at the time it caused damage which could be different from the actual owner. If the person who has control of the animal is under 16 years of age, the head of the household in which that person lives will be accountable.

Keepers of dogs are liable for the damage caused by their dog if all the conditions in Section (2) are met and no defence under section (5) is given – section (5) sets out exceptions from liability.

Under Section 3 of the Animals Act 1971, where a dog causes damage by killing or injuring livestock, any person who is the keeper of the dog is liable for the damage, except as otherwise provided by this Act (Section 5. refers to exceptions from liability).

Section 9 of the Animals Act 1971, refers to the owner of livestock who kills or injures a dog worrying or about to worry livestock, when there are no other reasonable means of ending or preventing the worrying or where the dog that has been worrying has not left the vicinity, is not under the control of any person and there are no practicable means of ascertaining ownership.

Under the 1971 Animals Act the definition of ‘livestock’ is widened and also includes deer not in the wild state and pheasants, partridges and grouse if in captivity.

It is highly advisable that all dog owners hold up to date comprehensive liability insurance to cover themselves. Legal Aid for hearings under the Dangerous Dogs Act (criminal) Section Three may be available, but not under civil actions, such as the Dogs Act 1871, insurance to cover court costs, legal representation, compensation claims etc needs to be included in your policy - are you covered?

Legislation:

Animals Act 1971

The information contained here does not constitute legal advice in and of itself. You must contact a Solicitor for advice before acting upon anything that you read on this web site.

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