Many dog bite victims are told that they cannot claim compensation if the dog had never shown aggression before. However, this is not necessarily true. In the UK, dog owners and handlers have a duty to ensure their pets do not cause harm, regardless of the dog’s past behaviour.
Can I Still Claim If the Dog Has Never Bitten Before?
Yes, you can. Under the Animals Act 1971, a dog owner may still be held liable if their dog bites or attacks someone, even if it had no known history of aggression. The law considers factors such as:
- The nature of the dog’s behaviour – Certain breeds and temperaments are more likely to cause injury, even if they have never bitten before.
- The owner’s knowledge of risk – If an owner knew (or should have known) that their dog had a tendency to jump, snap, or be unpredictable, they could still be responsible.
- Failure to control the dog – Owners must take reasonable steps to prevent harm, such as using a lead or muzzle where appropriate.
Legal Protection Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 makes it an offence for any dog to be “dangerously out of control” in public or private spaces. This means that even if the dog has never bitten before, the owner is still responsible for preventing attacks. If a dog injures someone, the owner can face criminal charges and a civil compensation claim.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
If you have been bitten by a dog with no prior history of aggression, you may still be entitled to claim compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Psychological trauma such as anxiety or fear of dogs
- Medical treatment costs
- Loss of earnings if you had to take time off work
- Incidental costs and expenses
How to Start Your Claim
If you’ve been injured by a dog, even if it had no previous record of aggression, you still have legal options. At Ison Harrison we specialise in securing compensation for dog bite victims on a no win, no fee basis.
📞 Call us today or start your claim online at to find out how we can help.