Dog incident

Tell us about an issue or incident involving a dog.

For example, a dog that has:

been taken into a public area where it should not be – such as a playground or sports pitch
not been kept under control or has been allowed to roam free
injured you or your dog, or made you worried that it might injure you

If you or someone with you has been bitten by a dog, you need to report it to Derbyshire Police.

Where are dogs allowed to be?

Our Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) clearly shows public places that dogs are not allowed to go. It also shows places where dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a lead.

This can be all the time or just at certain times of the year. See maps of PSPO areas here.

Reporting a dog incident

If you are involved in a dog incident, or if you witness one, please report it to us.

You need to tell us:

a full account of the incident
where and when it happened
full details of the dog and the people responsible for the dog
details of any other witnesses, and any injuries that have occurred

We can't investigate anonymous complaints. We won't share your name and address with the person responsible, but in exceptional circumstances your details may be quoted if your evidence is used in court.

Photos can help us with our enquiries - but don't take photos if you feel it isn't safe.

Report a dog incident

Protecting your privacy - find out how we keep your information safe.

What we can do

We will investigate and, if necessary, take action against the person responsible.

In some cases, we may need to carry out a joint investigation with the police, and we may ask you to report the incident to them.

What we can't do

We can’t help you claim vets’ fees or damages if you or your pet have been injured – this is a private matter between you and the dog owner.

The council and the police will not get involved in the recovery of vets' fees or damages between parties. You will need to seek legal advice contact your pet insurance company.

Notices and prosecution

If we find that there has been a breach of the Dog Control PSPO, the person responsible for the dog could be issued with an £100 Fixed Penalty Notice, or fined up to £1000 in a court.

It is against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere. If the case goes to court it could result in an unlimited fine, a prison sentence and a ban on owning a dog in the future. The dog involved in the incident could also be destroyed. Find out more here.