Tougher Sentencing Plans for Owners of Aggressive Dogs

The control and safety of all of the UK’s dogs are overseen by the Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA), in place for 25 years in 2025. The DDA prohibits certain breeds and mandates responsible control of all dogs in public and private to protect people and animals.

Most dog owners know their dogs can be removed and destroyed if deemed dangerous or from banned breeds. However, fewer are familiar with the sentencing faced by owners found responsible for attacks. Recent proposals by Environment Secretary Owen Paterson may bring tougher sentences for owners whose dogs attack, especially if intentionally trained to be aggressive or used as a weapon.

Current Sentencing Guidelines in the UK

The last update to sentencing under the DDA was in 2012. Present UK law applies to offences such as:

• Being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury to a person.
• Being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing another person to fear injury.
• Owning, breeding, importing, selling, or advertising banned breeds.

The sentencing guidelines categorise offences from community orders and fines (Category three) to potential custodial sentences (Categories two and one). The highest level of culpability currently corresponds to a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment. Alongside custody, courts may impose compensation for victims, bans on dog ownership, and destruction orders for the dog involved.

Consequently, owners whose dogs cause serious injury or death may presently only face around two years in custody under the DDA.

Proposed Changes and Tighter Sentencing

Following a series of high-profile attacks, including the tragic death of Mr David Ellam, proposals aim to align sentences for dangerous dog offences with penalties for causing death by dangerous driving (up to 14 years imprisonment). Penalties for causing actual bodily harm could rise to five years, while attacks on service dogs resulting in injury or death could lead to three-year sentences.

Though these changes would be introduced under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill rather than the DDA itself, they emphasise harsher accountability for owners who deliberately encourage aggression in their dogs or fail to exercise appropriate control.

Public consultations show strong support, with 91% of respondents favouring more stringent measures.

International Perspective on Tougher Legislation

Similar legal reforms are taking place globally to protect communities from dangerous dogs. For instance, Florida’s Pam Rock Act (effective July 2025) imposes strict control measures, including mandatory microchipping, liability insurance, and higher penalties for owners of dangerous dogs, escalating charges to felony levels when attacks cause injury or death.

In the UK, while the DDA currently allows up to 18 months custody for dangerous dog-related injuries, sentencing councils are encouraging courts to impose harsher penalties, victim compensation, and future dog ownership bans for owners of dangerous dogs.

Responsible Ownership: The Best Prevention

Ultimately, preventing dog attacks depends on responsible ownership. Prospective dog owners should choose breeds carefully, ideally from reputable breeders who prioritise temperament and health, and commit to thorough training and socialisation.

Communities thrive when dogs are kept safe, happy, and under control, and laws are designed to protect the rights and well-being of all.