After report of a child being bitten by a dog on Jay Drive I thought it would be helpful to let you know as a dog owner what you must do and what could happen if your dog bites someone. 

 Using information from Askthe.police.uk I have complied a short list for you to keep or share. 

There is a dog that lives down the street, the owner has let it out without a lead and it has bitten me, what can I do?

If the bite has broken the skin, you should clean the wound immediately by running warm tap water over it for a couple of minutes. You should then seek immediate medical attention (further information on treating animal bites can be found in the related information). After seeking medical attention, you should report the incident to your local police.

It is an offence to have a dog dangerously out of control. The dog owner (or the person for the time being in charge of the dog) may be prosecuted and could face imprisonment and/or a fine. In addition the courts can make a variety of orders in relation to the dog, which range from muzzling to destruction. 

What is the law relating to dogs or other animals being transported in cars? Do they have to be restrained?

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states:

"When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars."

This is not a legal requirement that is set out in legislation, and so failure to comply with this rule will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted. However, please note that failure to comply with such sections of the Highway Code may still be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts to establish liability.

I have hit an animal whilst driving, do I have to report it to the police?

Some animals are not included in the definition of 'animal' given in the legislation, so you are not required to report accidents with them to the police.

A dog (as well as a goat, horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep and pig) are animals covered within the remit of the legislation; therefore, you are required by law to report any accident with these animals to the police.

However, if the animal you have hit is not listed above it may still be worth contacting the police to inform them of the incident. Additionally, the local authority will need to be contacted to remove the remains of the animal. Please see the website in Related Information to find your local authority.

Important: badgers are specially protected, it is an offence to possess one, dead or alive, (without the proper authority), so if you kill one, leave it at the roadside. If you are concerned, as stated above, you can voluntarily contact the police.