Has your dog been seized by police?
SERVICES
Expert Legal Defence for your canine companion
We help assist dog owners whos dogs have been involved in a incident whereby a person is injured under S3 Dangerous dogs act 1991
We help assist owners whos dogs have been seized as suspected banned breeds.
We help assist owners who are taken to court for civil applications under S2 Dogs Act 1871 and S4B Dangerous dogs act 1991
OUR STORY
Experienced Canine Defence Lawyers Protecting Your Rights
Welcome to The Dog Clinic at KWP, where we are dedicated to helping dog owners navigate through legal challenges across England and Wales. Our highly recommended canine defence lawyers have years of experience within the complex area of dog law and have saved hundreds of dogs from being put to sleep over the years. We offer one-to-one support, ensuring your beloved companion receives the best possible outcome.
Our small and dedicated team is passionate about giving a voice to the voiceless we pride ourselves in the great relationships we have formed with some of the leading dog experts in the UK, With our expertise in canine criminal defence, we are committed to representing dog owners in legal matters, providing the guidance and support they need every step of the way. Trust us to protect your rights and advocate for the well-being of your beloved furry friends.
WHY WORK WITH US
Proven Criminal Defence Success
Expertise & Experience
With years of courtroom experience, our team will vigorously defend you and your dog.
One to One support
With our dedicated case workers, you can expect personalized 1 to 1 assistance throughout your case, ensuring that your rights and the rights of your furry companion are protected every step of the way.
Rapid Response
We pride ourselves in our rapid response service to new enquires ensuring you get the help you need promptly.
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Meet Our Expert Team
OUR TEAM
Leah
Senior Case Worker
With over 15 years of experience working in criminal law, Leah is your trusted choice for a dog defence lawyer. Leah has been involved in numerous high profile dog cases over the past 10 years, her dedication to dogs sets her apart from your standard lawyer. Leah studied with CILEX for many years and has numerous legal qualifications. With a great reputation amongst clients, Leah is an asset to the team and is here to provide the best defence for dog owners like you.
Steve
Solicitor
At The Dog Clinic at KWP, we understand the deep bond between you and your furry friend. That's why we have Stephen, a highly experienced criminal defence solicitor and a genuine dog lover, on our team. With over 25 years of practice, Stephen initially qualified as a legal executive in 1995 before becoming a solicitor in 2008. Stephen comes highly recommended for his expertise in defending dog owners across the UK, Stephen has been involved in many high profile dog cases throughout the years he aims to ensure that you and your beloved pet receive the best legal representation possible.
Nicola
Case Worker
Nicola, brings a unique perspective to her practice as a massive dog lover. With over 10 years of experience working as a dog groomer and her studies in dog behavior with the LMDT, Nicola has a deep understanding of why incidents involving dogs happen. Her passion for dogs shines through in her work over the last 3 years, making her the ideal advocate for dog owners in need of legal assistance.
MORE PROFILES PENDING ....
TESTIMONIALS
Client Testimonials
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Cassey Johnston
The dog clinic has made my family so happy again I can never express how grateful I am for all their help. 100% recommend Mack is a free dog once again
Sharon Blackwell
Dog clinic is the best group of people to you when your dog has been seized by the police the lawyer is great too, they helped me so much thank you for all your work, help and advice
Nina Rashbrook
Wow amazing team! I highly recommend dog clinic. They really are great people, they work really hard to get the best outcome for us doggie owners I cant thank them enough. I am so happy that my boy is finally home thank you guys. im over the moon!
Dog Bites
Section 3 Dangerous Dogs Act- Owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.
Under section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, an owner, or a person in charge of a dog, commits an offence if the dog causes reasonable apprehension that any person will be injured, no injury need be proven. The offence is described as one of strict liability, no criminal intent or recklessness must be proven.
Were no injury is caused, the case may only be dealt with in the magistrates’ court and the maximum penalty is 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine of £5,000. The court has the power to order the dog to be destroyed or be placed on a contingent destruction order (e.g. keeping the dog on a lead and muzzle in public). The court can also disqualify an individual from keeping dogs.
If your dog injures a person then this is a more serious offence which is known as the “aggravated” s3 offence. The injury does not have to be a bite; a scratch or bruise would suffice. The aggravated offence can be dealt with in either the magistrates’ court maximum sentence 12 months or the crown court and the maximum penalties are as follows:
- Injury to a person – 5 years’ imprisonment
- Death of a person – 14 years’ imprisonment
As with a non-aggravated offence (no injury) the court can disqualify you from keeping dogs.
When an “aggravated” offence has been committed, the court must order the dog to be destroyed unless it is satisfied that you are a suitable owner and that the dog does not pose a danger to the public. We have Court approved canine experts to assist in assessments and providing reports for the Court.
The police have the power to seize your dog and keep it pending the outcome of the case.
Defences
A defence is available to the owner of the dog to show that they left the dog in the care of someone they reasonably believed to be a fit and proper person.
Legal aid is available for matters under s3
Dangerous Dogs Act subject to means testing.
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Banned Breeds
Owning or Possession of a Banned Breed Dog - Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
In England and Wales there are now 5 dog breeds which are banned these are:
XL Bully
Pitbull
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasilero
Japanese Tosa
It is an offence to be in possession of any of the types of dog listed above unless they have been granted a certificate of exemption and the conditions of exemption are complied with.
If the court decides your dog is one of the 5 prohibited types, then it must make a destruction order or, if the court is satisfied that you are a fit and proper person to have a dog of that type and that your dog does not pose a danger to the public, then a contingent destruction order may be made which allows your dog to be exempted from the prohibition. Your dog will have to be neutered, microchipped and have a policy of third-party insurance and you will need to obtain a certificate of exemption from the Index of Exempted Dogs at DEFRA. Once your dog has been returned to you, it will be subject to stringent conditions for the rest of its life, including:
- It must be on a lead and wear a muzzle when in a public place.
- It must live with its registered keeper save for up to 30 days in any 12-month period.
- It must be kept in secure conditions to prevent escape.
- You must notify DEFRA if you move home.
- You must notify DEFRA if the dog is exported or dies.
- You must have 3rd party liability insurance
- Your dog cannot be walked by anyone under the age of 16
Failure to comply with these conditions could lead to your dog being seized by the police and you being prosecuted.
Legal aid is available for matters under S1 Dangerous Dogs Act subject to means testing.
Civil Applications
S4b(1)(b) Dangerous Dogs Act- This is a civil application made by police to the magistrates court for exemption of a banned breed dog. The positive of this application is that the owner is not
punished for possessing a banned breed dog and no criminal record results. In the majority of cases we deal with, the owner is completely unaware that their dog fits the criteria of a banned breed.
Most dogs are purchased as cross breeds or rescued from a rescue organisation as a pup. The police usually become aware of banned breed dogs due to reports from members of the public.
S4b(1)(a) dangerous dogs act- Application for a destruction order.
This is a civil application made by police when they deem a dog to be dangerous and a prosecution is not being pursued.
The court have the option to order destruction or to allow the dog to live with no order.
Legal aid is not available for civil applications.
S2 Dogs Act 1871- Civil application made by police for a dog control order
The police usually make these applications when a criminal prosecution is not being pursued. The application is made when a dog is deemed dangerous the court has the option to either order destruction or issue a control order.
Legal aid is not available for this application
