Dog attacks or out-of-control dogs
Important information about dog attacks
We do not investigate incidents where a dog attacks another dog because these cases are not covered by our legal duties.
If your dog has been attacked, you may wish to seek independent legal advice about taking civil action. You can get free guidance from Citizens Advice.
The police respond to incidents where a dog attacks a person under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
It is a criminal offence for the person in charge of a dog to allow it to be dangerously out of control anywhere in England and Wales. This applies in public places and on private land.
If you are in danger
If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Report an incident
If a dog has been dangerously out of control towards you, or you believed you were about to be bitten, report it to Wiltshire Police.
- Contact Wiltshire Police
- Call 101
When a dog is considered dangerously out of control
A dog may be classed as dangerously out of control if it:
- attacks and injures a person or an assistance dog
- makes you fear it may injure you or an assistance dog, and the person in charge does not have proper control
- attacks livestock
Get help with your dog’s behaviour
You can find local registered dog trainers and behaviourists through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Control your dog in public
Read guidance on your responsibilities as a dog owner.
If your dog has been attacked
If your dog has been attacked by an out-of-control dog, you will need to take civil action against the dog’s owner.
For advice, visit the Citizens Advice website.