When Can You Claim Against a Council or Public Body?
Imagine this: you’re walking through a public park, and a stray dog, one that should have been collected by the council’s dog warden, charges at you and sinks its teeth into your arm. Or perhaps you’re simply going about your day when a police dog, poorly controlled during a training exercise, lashes out and bites you.
In these situations, responsibility may not lie with an individual pet owner but with a public authority that failed in its duty of care.
A claim against a local council or another public body usually arises in cases where:
- A stray or dangerous dog, known to the authorities, was not dealt with properly.
- A police or security dog attacked without proper cause or restraint.
- The council, through its negligence, failed to control or remove an aggressive dog from public land.
Each of these scenarios involves different legal responsibilities, but they all have one thing in common: a duty of care owed to the public. If that duty is breached and results in an injury, you could have a strong claim for compensation.
Dog Attacks Involving Local Councils: Who Is Responsible?
Local councils have legal duties under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and other legislation to deal with stray and dangerous dogs. If they fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, they may be held liable.
For instance, if a council knew about a dangerous dog roaming in a public space but failed to act, they could be seen as negligent. Similarly, if a stray dog in a council pound escapes and bites someone, the council may be responsible for failing to secure it properly.
However, councils are not automatically liable for every dog bite incident in their jurisdiction. To succeed in a claim, it must be shown that they were aware (or should have been aware) of the risk and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Police and Security Dog Attacks: When Can You Claim?
Police and security forces often use highly trained dogs for public safety and law enforcement. While these animals play a crucial role, they are still capable of causing serious injuries. If you are bitten by a police dog, military dog, or security firm’s animal, a claim may be possible if:
- The dog attacked without provocation or necessity.
- The officers handling the dog failed to control it properly.
- You were an innocent bystander caught up in an incident.
In some cases, the police may argue that the dog was acting in the course of duty—for example, subduing a suspect. However, this does not give them blanket immunity from claims. If excessive force was used or you were bitten without justification, you may have a valid case.
A claim against a police force or security firm is often based on negligence or a breach of Article 3 of the Human Rights Act 1998 (protection from inhumane treatment). Cases like these can be complex, but with the right legal advice, you stand a strong chance of securing compensation.
How to Start a Claim Against a Public Body
Claiming against a local council or police force can feel intimidating. These institutions have legal teams at their disposal and are often reluctant to admit liability. However, with expert legal representation, your chances of a successful claim increase significantly.
At Ison Harrison Sols, we specialise in holding councils, police forces, and public bodies accountable when they fail in their duty of care. Our experienced solicitors will:
✔ Investigate whether the council or public body was negligent.
✔ Gather evidence, including witness statements and incident reports.
✔ Handle all legal proceedings on your behalf, keeping the process as stress-free as possible.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite linked to a council, police force, or public authority, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice.
- Call us today on 0113 2247851
- Email [email protected]
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