Dog Watch

Dog Watch is supported by the Metropolitan Police Safer Neighbourhood Teams, The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the RSPCA, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Tenant Management Organisation, Notting Hill Housing Group, Peabody, Kensington Housing Trust and Octavia Housing.

The main aims of Dog Watch are to:

• improve local intelligence on anti social behaviour with dogs such as dog fighting, intimidation by dog, status dogs and dogs not kept under proper control
• provide advice to dog owners about matters concerning welfare, legislation and bylaws, dog security and medical care
• enhance local intelligence on Dangerous Dogs and illegal dog breeding
• provide support and training for dog owners to help promote responsible ownership
• help reduce the incidence of dog fouling on the streets, through education and enforcement
• help promote reassurance in the local community

The Partnership members have all pledged to provide support to achieve the main aims of Dog Watch. The Police and Council are particularly interested in improving intelligence on illegal or status dogs, illegal breeding and anti social behaviour with dogs.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

1. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits the possession of certain named dogs, except under controlled conditions, such as being muzzled whilst in a public place, having a microchip fitted, tattoos and being nuetured.

The named dogs in the Act are:

Other types of dogs may also come under the act if they have similar characteristics to any of the above or have been bred for the purpose of fighting.

2. The Act also imposes restrictions on other types of dogs that present a serious danger to the public. These restrictions might be muzzling or banning the dog from certain public places or being on a lead at all times.

3. In addition, the Courts can impose penalties on owners of dogs dangerously out of control, or if any person is injured by a dog on both public and private property.

4. The courts may also order the destruction of any dog if it is proved that the dog injured a person.

5. A Police Officer or Council Animal Warden can seize a banned dog or a dog that is dangerously out of control.

The Police and Council are particularly keen to improve intelligence on banned dogs, breeding and anti-social behaviour with dogs. If you have any information on these issues please call your local Safer Neighbourhood Team in the first instance. You can also call the Metropolitan Police non-emergency number: 0300 123 1212.

Always dial 999 in an emergency.