Could Dog DNA Transform Dog Bite Claims and Prosecutions?

Forensic scientists are developing a UK canine DNA database that could change the way serious dog attacks are investigated, potentially helping police identify individual dogs involved in attacks and providing valuable evidence where responsibility for an incident is disputed.

Researchers at King’s College London, working with the Royal Veterinary College, have been analysing DNA from dogs across the UK. Their research covers more than 1,200 dogs from 80 breeds and could have important implications for dog bite claims, dangerous dog prosecutions and livestock attacks.

How can dog DNA identify an attacking dog?

Just like humans, dogs can leave biological evidence behind.

Following a dog attack, saliva may be present on a victim’s skin or clothing. Hair, blood and other biological material can also potentially be recovered.

Scientists can analyse this material and compare the DNA profile with samples taken from a suspected dog. The research may also allow investigators to obtain information about the likely breed or type of dog involved.

One case highlighted by King’s College London demonstrates just how powerful the evidence can potentially be.

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier was suspected of attacking a police officer. The dog’s owner denied that their pet was responsible and provided a mouth swab.

Researchers reported that their analysis provided a likelihood one billion times greater if the crime scene stain originated from the suspected Staffordshire Bull Terrier than if it originated from another unrelated dog.

Could DNA evidence help with a dog bite compensation claim?

Potentially, yes.

One of the difficulties that can arise following a dog bite injury is establishing which dog was responsible and identifying its owner.

For example, a dog may escape from a property, attack someone in a public place and subsequently disappear. In other cases, an owner may dispute that their dog caused the injuries.

Where suitable biological material is available, canine DNA evidence could potentially provide another source of evidence alongside witness statements, CCTV, photographs, medical evidence and police investigations.

The technology may therefore become particularly relevant in serious or disputed dog bite compensation claims.

What about dangerous dog breeds?

The researchers are also looking at extending their work involving restricted dogs, including Pit Bull Terriers and XL Bullies.

This could be particularly significant because determining a dog’s type can have legal consequences under dangerous dog legislation.

The research comes as dog ownership and dog attacks continue to receive considerable attention. A Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce report published by the Government on 24 September 2026 specifically identified improved data collection relating to dog attacks as one of four key areas requiring attention.

Injured in a dog attack?

If you have been bitten or injured by a dog, obtaining evidence as quickly as possible can be important.

Photographs of injuries, details of witnesses, information about the dog and its owner, CCTV or doorbell footage, medical records and details of any police involvement can all potentially assist when investigating a claim.

As forensic technology develops, dog DNA could become another important piece of that evidential jigsaw.

Claim for your dog bite

Ison Harrison’s specialist dog bite solicitors can advise people who have suffered injuries following a dog attack and assess whether there may be grounds to pursue a compensation claim.

Your claim can be dealt with on a No Win-No Fee basis.

To see how we can help; get in touch today:

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