FAQ Details
Dangerous Dogs - 715/10
Dated: 07 Jun 2011
Date of request: 10/11/2010
Date of response: 15/11//2010
Provision of information held by Northumbria Police made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the 'Act')
Thank you for your email dated 10 November 2010 in which you made a request for access to certain information which may be held by Northumbria Police.
As you may be aware the purpose of the Act is to allow a general right of access to information held by a Public Authority (including the Police), subject to certain limitations and exemptions.
You asked:
How many dogs have been taken from their owners under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 this year?
Where are the dogs taken to after they are seized from their owners?
In general terms, what happens after a dog deemed to be dangerous is taken from their owners?
Were any of the animals destroyed?
Who meets the cost of looking after the dangerous dogs taken away from their owners?
Do you have figures to show how much it cost to look after the dangerous dogs taken from their owners, in terms of kennels/vets bills?
In response:
We have now had the opportunity to fully consider your request and I provide a response for your attention.
11.
Dogs are taken to kennels approved by the Police.
If an animal is seized as a dangerous dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act 199, they are retained by the Police at approved kennels until a decision is made by either the Police, Crown Prosecution Service or the Courts. If there is no further action to be taken the dog is returned to its owner. If there is a court case the dog is retained until the case is finalised and a court order made. In the case where the owner of a seized dog wishes for it to be put to sleep, Police will assist the owners with arrangements.
Yes - one dog destroyed with the owners consent and a second at the direction of a Court Order.
Initially, the Police pay the kennelling and any veterinary costs incurred whilst the dog is in Police possession. Police do apply for costs at court.
£10 per night per dog whilst in Police possession plus the cost of any vet treatment if/when required.
How to complain
If you are unhappy with our decision or do not consider that we have handled your request properly and we are unable to resolve this issue informally, you are entitled to make a formal complaint to us under our complaints procedure which can be found at: http://www.northumbria.police.uk/foi/disclosurelog/foicomprights.asp
If you are still unhappy after we have investigated your complaint and reported to you the outcome, you may complain directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office and request that they investigate to ascertain whether we have dealt with your request in accordance with the Act.
Yours sincerely
Michael Cleugh
Data Protection and Disclosure Advisor
Direct Dial: 01661 868347