Policy and Procedure Manual: D-14
DANGEROUS DOGS
MAY 2009.
1. CONTEXT.
1.1 Any action under this policy must have a legal basis (e.g. Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
etc.) and must comply with the provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act
1984. Those actions should use the least intrusive and damaging means necessary to
achieve the aims, which must be legitimate, justified and proportionate.
1.2 This Policy may be made available for public disclosure.
1.3 Any ‘Dangerous Dogs’ that are seized must be added to the ‘Dangerous Dogs’
database maintained by the Operations Dog Unit. This will enable accurate tracking of
all cases.
1.4 Local Authorities now have responsibility for dealing with stray dogs. If a stray dog is
believed to be ‘dangerous’ or of a prohibited type, a police response may be required.
1.5 Dogs that are classed as ‘Dangerous’ due to type only and are too young to be
accurately assessed will be subject to ‘Dog Legislation Officers’ (DLOs) examination to
determine whether they should remain with the owner until such a time that they can be
accurately assessed - (over 9 months of age).
2. TIMESCALES.
2.1 A dynamic risk assessment should accompany each Dangerous Dog case in order to
ensure public safety and justify any delays.
2.2 The potential for owners to become upset and animals to become distressed is great
when Police decide to seize and remove Dangerous Dogs. This may have an
adverse impact on public confidence, co-operation and the Force’s reputation. There
can also be high financial costs for kennelling, veterinary attention etc.
2.3 Dangerous Dogs cases, therefore, must be progressed speedily and concluded at the
earliest opportunity. Criminal Prosecutions or other legal proceedings should be
commenced as soon as possible and in any event within 14 days of the incident -
(unless exceptional circumstances apply).
2.4 Line Managers must closely supervise and monitor all Dangerous Dogs cases.
3. ALLOCATION.
3.1 OCUs will be responsible for investigating, recording and progressing cases involving
dangerous dogs. The Operations Dog Unit should be consulted prior to any action
being taken.
3.2 The Operations Dog Unit will provide dog handlers to accompany OCU staff and
advise on the options available. (DLOs can identify whether an animal is likely to be
an illegal pit bull type dog).
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3.3 The removal of Dangerous Dogs should be undertaken by adequately trained Police
Dog Handlers who will have at their disposal specialist items of Personal Protective
Equipment – (PPE) and handling equipment to deal with such animals. Untrained
and inexperienced officers should not attempt to control a dangerous dog unless
there is no other option to protect the public.
4.
CASE MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
4.1 The Officer in the Case will:
a)
Ensure that an OASIS log has been created for each incident involving Dangerous
Dogs.
N.B. The log should contain the words
DANGEROUS DOG.
b)
Consult with a supervisor regarding whether the dog should be seized or not -
(Operations Dog Unit duty supervisor should be consulted prior to seizure
except in cases of urgency).
c)
Ensure that the dog is properly and lawfully seized
(if applicable).
d)
Ensure that the dog’s owner agrees and signs an undertaking where the dog
is not seized
(Appendix C) and complies with this undertaking - (DLOs will
assist with this process).
e)
Complete an IMS log and OASIS ‘SIG’ Marker
(if applicable).
-
Intelligence Management System – (IMS).
-
Street Index Gazetteer – (SIG).
f)
Ensure details are provided for inclusion on the Dangerous Dogs Database
by completing the dog seizure form
(Appendix D).
g)
Obtain and complete any relevant statements of evidence.
h)
Arrest and Interview the dog’s owner and any offenders
(if applicable).
i)
Prepare the file for CPS / Force Solicitor (including intelligence checks and
previous convictions).
j)
Ensure that the Victim(s) is/are aware of who the investigating officer is and
ensure full compliance of the ‘Victims Code’.
k)
Keep the dog owner updated as to the condition of their dog and the
progression of the case.
l)
On conclusion of the case, ensure that all Court decisions are upheld (e.g. dog
destroyed, returned, exempted) and that owner is provided with relevant information
and documentation: veterinary treatment consent form (
Appendix E) - (DLOs will
assist with this process).
4.2 The OCU Line Manager will:
a)
Conduct regular reviews of cases, ensuring that the investigation is being
progressed competently and expeditiously, and within appropriate timescales.
b)
Provide support and guidance to the officer in case.
c)
Liaise with OCU Finance Managers and ensure costs for kennelling,
veterinary attention etc. are minimised.
4.3 The Operations Dog Unit Inspector (or delegate) will:
a)
Be responsible for updating this policy when appropriate.
b)
Maintain a Force Dangerous Dogs Database.
c)
Maintain professional relationships with the Kennel Contractor and ensure
contractual compliance.
d)
Provide advice to Staff and ensure consistency throughout the organisation.
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e)
Ensure all OCU Staff are supported with specialist Dog Handlers and DLOs
when appropriate.
f)
Provide advice upon the appropriate disposal of disputed cases (whether
Section 1, Section 3, Section 4B etc.).
4.4 The Chief Inspector (FCC) will be responsible for the correct grading of incidents to
ensure the proper deployment of resources within the appropriate timescale.
4.5 The Force Legal Services Department will be responsible for the processing of cases
under section 4B of the dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the presentation of such
cases before the Court.
4.6 The Chief Superintendent (HQ Operations) will be responsible for providing corporate
policy regarding Dangerous Dogs.
5. APPENDICES.
A - Risk Assessment
B - Process Map
C - Undertaking by Owner of a Prohibited Dog
D - Dog Seizure Form
E - Veterinary Treatment Consent Form
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