When visiting a family that has a dog it must be considered whether or not the dog poses any threat to the child’s health, development or safety and to the professional visiting. Serious injury can be inflicted by dogs that are prohibited, dangerous or poorly managed. A national Serious Case Review has reaffirmed the need for all staff who come into contact with children and families to be vigilant when working with families that may own or are in accommodation where dogs may be present.

Dogs and children

Dogs and children can be great friends and having a dog can help children develop kindness, understanding and respect for living things. Dog companionship can improve a child’s social skills with people and caring for a pet can encourage responsibility.

Because of this many families have dogs. Children quickly understand and learn to treat the dog as part of the family but it is important that parents teach children how to stay safe around dogs, to protect both child and dog. Children often treat dogs as their peers; they hug, cuddle, hold and scold them. Children express affection for their family through close facial contact e.g. kissing. While this may seem sweet, a dog may find this threatening and it can be quite dangerous.

For these reasons young children are more likely to be bitten than any other group and research shows that children are far more likely to be bitten by their family dog than any others.

What is a dangerous dog?

According the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 some dogs are outlawed. These are Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Filo Braziliero type dogs. This extends to any dog that appears to be a cross of these breeds or may be banned if they match many of the characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier.

As of 31 December 2023 it became illegal in respect of an XL Bully dog to (1) breed, or breed from it (2) sell or exchange it or advertise or expose it for such a purpose (3) give it as a gift or advertise or expose it for such a purpose (4) allow it to be in a public place without it being muzzled or on a lead or (5) abandon it or allow it to stray, by virtue of section 1(2) of the 1991 Act.  However it is important to remember that any dog could be dangerous. The dog needs to be considered in the family and with the child in mind.

If a dog is considered a serious risk to a child and/or a professional believes that a dog may be one of the outlawed breeds of dog they need to contact the police immediately.

Questions for professionals to ask themselves when considering the dog and the child

When visiting a family that has a dog a professional needs to consider whether or not the dog poses any threat to the child’s health, development or safety, taking into account the following factors:

• All children are potentially vulnerable from attack(s) from dog(s).
• Young and very small children are likely to be at greatest risk.
• A young child may be unaware and unprepared for the potential dangers they could face.
• A young child may less able to protect themselves and more likely to be of a size that leaves especially vulnerable parts of their body exposed to an attack.
• Is it a large dog in a small home?
• Is the dog left alone with the child? 
• How much money is spent on the dog compared to the child?

The dog and their owner (including extended family and temporary carers)

Some factors to consider:

• Many commentators will insist that 'the owner, not the dog' is the problem.
• There may be occasions when even the 'best' of owners fails to anticipate or prevent their dog's behaviour.
• The care, control and context of a dog's environment will undoubtedly impact on their behaviour and potential risks.
• Research indicates that neutered or spayed dogs are less likely to be territorial and aggressive towards other dogs and people.
• Dogs that are kept and/or bred for the purpose of fighting, defending or threatening are likely to present more risks than genuine pets.
• Some dogs are kept as a status symbol and can be part of the criteria of belonging to a gang.
• Owners linked to criminal activity, anti-social behaviour, drugs or violence may have reason to encourage aggressive behaviour from dogs.
• Owners with interests and histories in crime, violence, drugs or anti-social behaviour are unlikely to appreciate or prevent the possible risks their dog(s) may present to children.

The family context

Families characterised by high levels of aggression and domestic tension:

• are more likely to trigger excitement and possible attacks by dogs.
• are less likely to appreciate and anticipate risks.
• may be less likely to take necessary precautions.
• may be less likely to guarantee the safety of the most vulnerable youngsters

Response by agencies/practitioners

Any agency or practitioner aware of a dog that could be prohibited or may be dangerous should collect as much information as possible, including:

• The dog's name and breed (if known).
• What size is the dog – small, medium, large?
• The current owner and any previous owners where known, including their gender.
• Why did the owner choose this particular dog eg breed, temperament or because the owner felt sorry for it etc? ▪ Is the dog's owner present - always, sometimes, never?
• Does the dog get exercised outside the house - daily, weekly, never?
• Does the dog get off lead exercise - daily, weekly, never? ▪ Does the dog live in the yard/garden - always, sometimes, never?
• Does the dog get fed from the owner’s plate at mealtimes?
•  Does the dog chew/destroy things – always, sometimes, never? ▪ Has the dog ever bitten another dog?
• Has the dog ever bitten a person?

What to do

Remember any dog can pose a threat and any dog can bite.

Professionals can undertake an assessment using the Safe Dogs around children risk assessment form.

In the event that a practitioner is not sure about the dog they should share their concerns with the family. If they feel unable to do this they will need to discuss the issue with your line manager in the first instance.

If a dog is considered a serious risk to a child and/or a professional believes that a dog may be one of the outlawed breeds of dog they need to contact the police immediately.

A referral to the First Response service should be considered if any of the following criteria apply:

• The child injured is under two years of age;
• The child is under five years of age and injuries have required medical treatment;
• The child is over five years and under 18 who have been bitten more than once by the same dog;
• The child/young person is under 18 years of age, injuries have required medical treatment and initial information suggests the dog responsible could be prohibited and/or dangerous;
• A prohibited and/or dangerous dog is reported and/or treated, and is believed to be living with and/or frequently associated with children under five years.

Signs of poor welfare in dogs

If there are concerns about the dog’s welfare please call the RSPCA’s National Cruelty Line on 0300 1234999.

Further advice and support

The RSPCA offers a number of materials that help parents to understand and recognise dog behaviour making it easier for children to stay safe and dogs happy. 

This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Kent and Medway Safeguarding Procedures. Factsheet developed in reference to Tees and Northamptonshire LSCBs, and the RSPCA.