When a dog is out of control

A dog does not have to attack a person or another animal to be out of control.

Your dog is out of control if:

• you do not keep it under control effectively and consistently
• its behaviour causes someone to fear for their own safety or that of another person or animal

Examples of an out of control dog

You may not be keeping your dog under control if:

• your dog's behaviour causes alarm and fear
• you leave it alone in public places or you let it stray
• it does not come back when you call it
• it nips or bites another person for any reason (your dog should wear a muzzle if you think it may bite)
• you do not put it on a lead or keep it under close control around sheep

These are just some examples.