What we do
If, after investigation, it is found that the dog was out of control:
- the owner will initially be offered corrective advice
- in extreme circumstances, the owner will be issued with a Dog Control Notice
What is a Dog Control Notice?
A Dog Control Notice (DCN) is a notice that we give to owners that places conditions upon the owner to keep the dog under control to ensure the safety of other people and animals by preventing further incidents.
Typical measures that may be included in a DCN are:
- keeping the dog on a lead in public
- muzzling the dog in public
- attending suitable dog training courses
All dogs that become the subject of a DCN must be microchipped and registered within 14 days of the date of the DCN.
Enforcement of a Dog Control Notice
Once a DCN has been issued, authorised officers must check that the notice is being complied with, for example, any reports of the dog being out of control will be investigated.
Failure to comply with a DCN is an offence, and if an “out of control” incident is corroboratively witnessed, the dog owner can be reported to the Fiscal, incur a fine of up to £1000 and be disqualified from owning or keeping a dog for a period of time. The dog may also be destroyed.