Sign of what?

I've read a lot of conflicting opinions recently about whether 'Beware of the dog' signs are a legal requirement in the UK. Some have told me if you have a sign and someone on your property is injured by your dog, you are exempt from prosecution.Please could you clarify this?

Thank you.

Andy, via Facebook

Neil Burton, chairman of the National Dog Warden Association advises...

The Guard Dogs Act 1975 requires that should a dog be used as a guard dog then each entrance to that property or premises should have a sign  that informs that guard Dogs are there. If a dog or dogs are being used at a location the dogs must be under the control of a handler. If there is nobody at the location, the dogs must be secured and not roaming free.

The use of signs at residential properties warns callers that there is a dog present but there are many types of signs available, some of which are humorous. Would a sign that says 'The Remains Of Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted' be treated as a legal warning? The use of signs that make a caller aware that a dog is at the property, or 'dogs running free' is more advisory than 'Beware of the Dog' which may be seen as an admission.

As a safeguard I would personally use a sign that advised rather than stated in case of any possible legal interpretation that may result should there be an incident.

Learning lessons

Can you help Charlotte with her university essay looking at the Dangerous Dogs Act? 

If so, email her your thoughts: cbburt@essex.ac.uk

........................

My essay is going to critically look at the DDA and highlight how it is fundamentally failing to achieve its aims and also highlighting how it punishes 'breeds' not 'deeds', a popular phrase I've seen being used. 

Any information on the issue would be gratefully received. 
In particular I need more information on the proposals, recent changes and any statistics regarding attacks or even how many bully breeds are now in rescues/shelters. 
Thank you. 
Kind regards, 
Charlotte, via Twitter

Accident waiting to happen

Hello

I am after some advice please.

My daughter works in a pub and a seven-month-old American Bulldog-Mastiff cross is regularly brought in by his owner. The dog is not being socialised and does not attend training classes, and is encouraged by his owner to bark at people who walk past. It has snapped and snarled at my daughter several times already and she is worried it will bite someone soon.

My daughter says she has heard the owner refer to it as a 'police buster'.

Please does anyone have any advice for what my daughter can do in this situation?

Anne Lucas, by phone

Where does the law stand on dogs biting humans?

Hello

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience of being charged with their dog being dangerously out of control in a public place and injuring a person? My dog and the dog next door got into a fight on the pavement outside our houses. Whilst we were breaking up the fight my dog redirected and bit my neighbour's daughter on the shoulder. They've reported me to the police.

I'm very worried that they will order her to be destroyed as she has injured a person, albeit unintentionally. If anyone has any personal experience of this I would really appreciate some advice.

Many thanks
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