Dogs and Children Safety Information for Practitioners

Multi Agency Procedures are found in Greater Manchester Safeguarding Children Procedures Manual Safeguarding Children from Dangerous Dogs 

The aim of this page is to assist professionals to assess risk and take action to protect children from serious injuries which can be inflicted by dogs, particularly those that are prohibited, dangerous or badly looked after by their owners.

While the benefits of owning pets, especially for children, are well documented, promoting emotional support, physical activity, and the development of responsibility and empathy, it is equally important to acknowledge the potential risks. In recent years, several children of varying ages across the Northwest have been seriously injured or even killed in dog attacks, highlighting the need for greater awareness and safety measures.

Legislation

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended) is the key legislation in the UK addressing dogs that pose a risk to public safety. Here's a summary of the relevant guidance, especially in relation to children:

Under the Act, any dog can be considered dangerous if:

• It has already inflicted injury or
• Has threatened injury to a person.

This applies regardless of breed. However, certain breeds are prohibited due to their physical characteristics and potential for serious harm. These include:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• XL Bully (added under the 2023 Order)

Dog Safety Risk Assessment – Children & Young People

When dangerous or prohibited dogs are present in households with children, multi-agency vigilance is essential. Agencies should work together to assess and mitigate risks.

During any home visit where dogs and children are present, consider the following:

Child Vulnerability

• Are there very young children in the home?
• Is the child left alone with the dog at any time (even in a cot or seat)?
• Has the child been observed:
  • Hugging or kissing the dog?
  • Approaching the dog while it’s eating, sleeping, or playing?
  • Taking toys or food from the dog?

 Environmental & Behavioural Factors

• Is the dog neutered/spayed?
• Is the dog kept for companionship or for guarding/fighting?
• Is the dog well-socialised and under control?
• Is the dog showing signs of stress, fear, or aggression?

 Immediate Concerns

• Has the dog previously bitten or threatened to bite?
• Is the dog a banned or restricted breed?
• Are there signs of neglect, poor control, or unsafe containment?

If any risk is identified, contact Children’s Services and Police immediately.

Protection and Action to be Taken – Dogs & Child Safety

 Information to collect when a potentially dangerous or prohibited dog is identified:

• Dog’s name and breed/type
• Owner’s details
• Purpose of keeping the dog (e.g., pet, guarding)
• Details of other household members, especially young children

Referral Criteria to Integrated Front Door

A referral should be made if:

Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Referral Outcomes:

• For Information Only: If no ongoing risk (e.g., dog removed or put down)
• Information Leaflet: If minor incident, older child, and responsible ownership evident
• Strategy Discussion & Section 47 Enquiry: For serious cases, involving:
  • Multi-agency input
  • Home visits
  • Parenting and dog control assessments
  • Possible veterinary advice

Advice to support the safe supervision of children and dogs

To prevent avoidable risks, follow these three key actions:

1. Watch, Listen, Stay Close

• Always observe child-dog interactions.
• Listen for signs of distress or discomfort.
• Stay physically close — protection means being ready to act.

2. Intervene Calmly

• Step in if either the child or dog seems uncomfortable or behaves unsafely.
• Use a calm and gentle approach to separate them.

 3. Separate When Distracted

• If you’re likely to be preoccupied (e.g., cooking, on the phone), separate them:
  • Use baby gates, closed doors, or
  • Take the child or dog with you.

Useful leaflets and contacts:

• 6 Golden Rules
• Dog Trust Supervision Action Plan 
• Dog Safety Around Toddlers
  
• Safety Around Dogs Fact Sheet
• Your Dog and New Baby Fact Sheet 

Defra has translated the dog safety factsheets into Polish, Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi and Arabic to support dog safety messaging being shared more widely. Newly translated materials can be downloaded at: Translated Fact Sheets | Child Safety Advice in Translation (capt.org.uk). 

• Dogs and children: living happily together | Dogs Trust
• Keeping Children Safe and Dogs Happy | RSPCA - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk

The Dogs Trust also offer free dog safety masterclasses via Eventbrite for parents and caregivers which are advertised here when available. free dog safety masterclasses