Dogs and Safeguarding
When you visit a family that has a dog you need to consider whether or not the dog poses any threat to the child’s health, development or safety.  Serious injury can be inflicted by dogs that are prohibited or poorly managed.

1. Introduction

1.1 The death of a child referred to in a Serious Case Review in Doncaster in 2022 has reaffirmed the need for all staff who come into contact with children and families to be vigilant when working with families that may own or are in accommodation where dogs may be present. 

1.2 When you visit a family that has a dog you need to consider whether or not the dog poses any threat to the child’s health, development or safety and yourself.

2. The Dog and the Child

2.1 When you visit a family that has a dog you need to consider whether or not the dog poses any threat to the child's health, development or safety, taking into account the following factors:

  • All children are potentially vulnerable from attack(s) from dog(s).
  • Children are likely to be at greatest risk
  • A young child may be unaware and unprepared for the potential dangers they could face.
  • A young child may less able to protect themselves and more likely to be of a size that leaves especially vulnerable parts of their body exposed to an attack.
  • Is it a large dog in a small home?
  • Is the dog left alone with the child?
  • How much money is spent on the dog compared to the child?

2.2 In 2025, the UK strengthened its dangerous dog legislation,  Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, following a rise in attacks, introducing updated restrictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act and related laws. Key changes include stricter regulations on XL Bully dogs (banned in NI from Jan 2025), potential expansion of restricted breeds to 12, and increased police powers to investigate incidents.

It is now illegal to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate, which requires the dog to be neutered, microchipped, and muzzled in public. The Act also continues to ban other dog types like the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. 

  • It is the owner's responsibility to prove their dog is not a banned type if it is challenged by the authorities.
  • Practitioners should discuss concerns with owners and ask to see the certificate
  • Practitioners can report to the Police via 101 if they have concerns even if they are unsure if the dog is a banned breed.
  • Practioners can also use the online form Share Community Partnership Intelligence | Cleveland Police to report any concerns

3. The Dog and their Owner (including extended family and temporary carers)

3.1 Some factors to consider:

  • Many commentators will insist that 'the owner, not the dog' is the problem.
  • There may be occasions when even the 'best' of owners fails to anticipate or prevent their dog's behaviour.
  • The care, control and context of a dog's environment will undoubtedly impact on their behaviour and potential risks.
  • Research indicates that neutered or spayed dogs are less likely to be territorial and aggressive towards other dogs and people.
  • Dogs that are kept and/or bred for the purpose of fighting, defending or threatening are likely to present more risks than genuine pets.
  • Some dogs are kept as a status symbol and can be part of the criteria of belonging to a gang.
  • Owners linked to criminal activity, anti-social behaviour, drugs or violence may have reason to encourage aggressive behaviour from dogs.
  • Owners with interests and histories in crime, violence, drugs or anti-social behaviour are unlikely to appreciate or prevent the possible risks their dog(s) may present to children.

 

4. The Family Context

4.1 Families characterised by high levels of aggression and domestic tension:

  • are more likely to trigger excitement and possible attacks by dogs.
  • are less likely to appreciate and anticipate risks.
  • may be less likely to take necessary precautions.
  • may be less likely to guarantee the safety of the most vulnerable youngsters;

 

5. Response by Agencies/Practitioners

5.1 Any agency or practitioner aware of a dog that could be prohibited or may be dangerous should collect as much information as possible, including:

  • The dog's name and breed (if known).
  • What size is the dog – small, medium, large?
  • The current owner and any previous owners where known, including their gender.
  • Why did the owner choose this particular dog eg breed, temperament or because the owner felt sorry for it etc?
  • Any history of the dog being neglected/ rehomed multiple times/used for protection/fighting?
  • Is the dog's owner present - always, sometimes, never?
  • Does the dog get exercised outside the house - daily, weekly, never?
  • Does the dog get off lead exercise - daily, weekly, never?
  • Does the dog live in the yard/garden - always, sometimes, never?
  • Does the dog get fed from the owner’s plate at mealtimes?
  • Does the dog chew/destroy things – always, sometimes, never?
  • Has the dog ever bitten another dog?
  • Has the dog ever bitten a person?

5.2 In the event that you are not sure about the dog you should share your concerns with the family. If you feel unable to do this you will need to discuss the issue with your line manager in the first instance.

5.3 When you visit the family that has a dog you need to consider whether or not the dog poses any threat to the child’s health, development or safety. You can also undertake a risk assessment using the Tees Safer Dogs Around Children Risk Assessment Form.

5.4 If you have immediate concerns, you can report an aggressive dog to the Police - call 999 for immediate danger/attack or 101 for out-of-control behaviour/threats.

The Police handle dog attacks on people/animals or immediate public safety risks, while your local council's dog warden handles general nuisance or dangerous dog reports, with both working to control aggressive dogs under laws like the Dangerous Dogs Act.

When to Call the Police

Emergency (999): If the dog is attacking, has just attacked someone/another animal, or poses an immediate threat to public safety.

Non-Emergency (101): If the dog is behaving aggressively in public, seems out of control, or you suspect it's a banned breed (like a Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, etc.).

What to Tell the Police

  • Your location and the dog's location.
  • Description of the dog (breed, colour, size).
  • Details of the aggressive behaviour (e.g., growling, lunging, attacking, biting).
  • Whether anyone was injured.
  • If you know the owner and their details.

5.5 A referral to Children’s Social Care should be made if there is any evidence that a dog from the immediate or wider family/carer’s home has caused a serious injury to a child. The age of the child and any additional vulnerabilities need to be considered.

5.6 A referral to Children’s Social Care should be made if there is reasonable cause to believe that a dog from the immediate or wider family/carer’s home has caused a serious injury to an adult and there are children residing, or regularly visiting, the same address.

6. Useful Guidance and Resources