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Dangerous Dogs: Cats

Asked by Andrew RosindellReform UKDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 25 February 2025UIN 31431

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will amend the law on dangerous dogs attacking cats to hold owners responsible.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner

It is an offence under section 3(1) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control. Any dog that is dangerously out of control can be euthanised and their owners put in prison for up to 14 years and be banned from ever owning a dog.  The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) guidance indicates dog attacks on other animals may amount to a dog being dangerously out of control, not least because of the risk to its owner should they seek to intervene in the attack on their animal.

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