DANGEROUS DOGS

We have an impressive track record in representing our clients in dog related offences and claims. This is both acting for farmers whose livestock may have been worried by dogs and acting for dog owners who face investigation or prosecution.

Ranked in the ‘Top Tier’ and ‘Band 1’ by the leading legal directories, we are one of the country’s largest agricultural teams and act as the National Farmers Union panel solicitors for more counties than any other law firm.

We are also the sole appointed legal advisors to the ‘Business Clinic’ in the industry leading publication ‘Farmers Weekly’.

KEY CONTACTS

Russell Reeves

Partner 0117 930 9598

Robert James

Partner 0117 374 9614

EXPERT SUPPORT AND REPRESENTATION

We understand the emotional and financial suffering that out of control dogs can cause. Whether you are looking to bring a claim against a dog owner or are facing prosecution, we have the in-depth knowledge and understanding to help you make informed decisions.

If you are a dog owner who is investigated or prosecuted then we will examine all the options available to resolve your situation and, where appropriate, negotiate to avoid prosecution or court proceedings completely. If negotiation is not possible, we will robustly represent you in court.

  • Defended a farmer who under the Dogs Act 1871 faced an application for a destruction order in respect of his Rhodesian Ridgeback which had chased and bitten a runner. We successfully achieved the case being struck out and our farming client was entitled to reimbursement of all his costs.
  • Represented an alpaca farmer in a claim against a neighbouring landowner and recovered damages of over £20,000 plus legal costs when neighbouring dangerous dogs trespassed onto his land and killed or injured many of his pregnant alpacas.
  • Successfully represented and defended a farmer on a prosecution against him by the Crown Prosecution Service for shooting two dogs which were worrying and chasing livestock.
  • Acted for a runner on a Civil Complaint under the Dogs Act 1871 for a destruction order against a farmer’s dog which was routinely out of control.
  • Defended a farming client who was prosecuted for failing to control his Alsatian which had routinely attacked walkers on a public right of way.
  • Represented a dog breeder on a Kennel Club investigation and disciplinary hearing into the fraudulent supply of dog passports.


Our expertise in this area encompasses:

  • Animals Act
  • Anti-social behaviour, Crime and Policing Act
  • Banned dogs
  • Breeding issues
  • Dangerous Dogs Act
  • Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act
  • Dogs Act
  • Guard Dogs Act
  • Hunting Act
  • Kennel Club investigations
  • Livestock worrying
  • Ownership issues

Industry Accreditations

We have strong ties to the following:

 

Acting as National Farmers Union panel solicitors for more counties than any other law firm in the country, we have strong ties to the following:

  • Agricultural Law Association 
  • British Institute of Agricultural Consultants
  • Central Association of Agricultural Valuers
  • Country Land and Business Association
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
  • Tenant Farmers Association

We are also proud to be the sole designated legal contributor to the Farmers Weekly Business Clinic.

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NFU Members

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As an NFU Panel Firm we offer NFU Members a 12.5% discount on our fees for qualifying cases and if you subscribe to the NFU’s Legal Assistance Scheme further funding from the NFU may be available.


CONTACT

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXCELLENT WORK – EVERYTHING WAS BRILLIANTLY SET OUT. I HAVE ENJOYED THE WHOLE THRINGS EXPERIENCE! MR W SOMERSET

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