Ancillary Orders Consultation
Destruction and contingent destruction order - Dangerous Dogs Act
Guideline users should be aware that the Equal Treatment Bench Book covers important aspects of fair treatment and disparity of outcomes for different groups in the criminal justice system. It provides guidance which sentencers are encouraged to take into account wherever applicable, to ensure that there is fairness for all involved in court proceedings. |
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May be made by |
A magistrates' court or the Crown Court |
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Relevant legislation |
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Destruction Order Availability |
Where a person is convicted of:
the court may order the destruction of any dog in respect of which the offence was committed and shall do so in the case of an offence under section 1 or an aggravated offence under section 3(1) (injury caused), unless the court is satisfied that the dog would not constitute a danger to public safety. |
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Considerations |
When deciding whether a dog would constitute a danger to public safety, the court must consider:
and may consider any other relevant circumstances. Fit and proper person: In determining whether a person is a fit and proper person to be in charge of a dog the following non-exhaustive factors may be relevant:
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Contingent Destruction Order |
and the court does not order the destruction of the dog, the court shall order that, unless the dog is exempted from that prohibition within 2 months (which can be extended), the dog shall be destroyed.
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Content of the order |
The Court may:
Any sum ordered to be paid shall be treated for the purposes of enforcement as if it were a fine imposed on conviction. |
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Consequences of breach |
Breach of a destruction order is a criminal offence, maximum penalty unlimited fine. |
Sentencing guidelines that will include a drop down of this guidance:
- Breeding, selling, exchanging or advertising a prohibited dog
- Owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in any place in England and Wales (whether or not a public place)
- Owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in any place in England and Wales (whether or not a public place) where a person is injured
- Owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in any place in England and Wales (whether or not a public place) where an assistance dog is injured or killed
- Owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in any place in England and Wales (whether or not a public place) where death is caused
- Possession of a prohibited dog