Dangerous Dogs & Animal Welfare


Dangerous Dogs Law

This group consists of a dedicated team who specialize in dangerous dogs legislation, some having being instructed since the inception of the draconian Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The expertise includes cases brought under the 1871 Dogs Act (civil law). The representation includes trials on whether or not a dog is a type of dog known as a pit bull terrier under s. 1 of the Act and the use of expert witnesses; whether a dog is dangerously out of control or caused injury under s. 3 of the Act; opposing, frequently successfully, the imposition of immediate destruction orders where a dog is either a pit bull type dog or has caused injury; submissions on whether a dog is 'dangerous' or out of control for the purposes of the 1871 law; and applications under the Police Property Act. It has been further successfully argued that although s. 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits the sale , making of a gift or change of ownership it does not preclude having an owner separate to keeper and this particular argument was a referral from the Criminal Cases Review Commission. This wide spectrum of cases have been heard from the Magistrates Courts, Crown Court, Divisional Court by way of Judicial Review or Case Stated, and in the Court of Appeal and submissions to the CCRC.

Some tenants are licensed to provide advice and representation direct to member of the public (see Direct Access). Further details can be found under the members of this groups' specific profile.


Animal Welfare Law

Some tenants have deep concern for the welfare of animals and interest and expertise in the law that protects them and at the same time an interest in ensuring that this law is fairly applied when defending. Some tenants are members of the Association of Lawyers for Animal Welfare.


Members of the team