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Animal and environmental offences.

Dangerous dogs, livestock worrying, animal cruelty and fighting, badgers, hare coursing and fly-tipping: the offences rural and neighbourhood officers meet.

8 offences · points to prove, mode of trial and maximum sentence

Quick reference

OffenceLegislationMode of trialMaximum penalty
Animal fightingAnimal Welfare Act 2006, s.8Either way5 years' imprisonment and/or a fine (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summarily)
Causing unnecessary suffering to an animalAnimal Welfare Act 2006, s.4Either way5 years' imprisonment and/or a fine (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summarily)
Dog attacking or worrying livestockDogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, s.1Summary onlyA fine (unlimited)
Dog dangerously out of controlDangerous Dogs Act 1991, s.3Either wayAggravated (injury): 14 years if a person dies, 5 years if a person is injured, 3 years if an assistance dog is injured, and/or a fine (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summarily). No injury: summary only, 6 months' imprisonment and/or a fine
Fly-tipping (unauthorised deposit of waste)Environmental Protection Act 1990, s.33Either way5 years' imprisonment and/or a fine (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summarily)
Killing, injuring or taking badgers, and interfering with settsProtection of Badgers Act 1992, s.1Summary only6 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (fine assessed per badger)
Possessing a prohibited type of dogDangerous Dogs Act 1991, s.1Summary only6 months' imprisonment and/or a fine
Trespass with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogsPolice, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, s.63Summary only6 months' imprisonment and/or a fine

Tap an offence for the numbered points to prove, key definitions, defences and case law.

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