Written question asked by Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2026. It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Friday, 19 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Dangerous Dogs: Children
- Question
-
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take legislative steps before the school summer holidays 2026 to increase protections for children against dangerous dogs.
- Answer
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From 1 November 2026, it will be an offence to leave a child under the age of 12 in close proximity with a banned breed dog, in a home or garden without adult supervision. This measure is intended to strengthen safeguards for children, where evidence indicates they are at greater risk of serious injury from dog attacks, particularly in domestic settings. It sets a clear expectation around supervision in higher‑risk situations.
It comes into force on 1 November to give owners sufficient time to prepare and take the necessary steps to comply. Guidance will be made available ahead of the summer holidays to help owners understand the new measure and take the necessary steps to comply.
Secondary information
- Type
- Written question
- Reference
- 8738
- Session
- 2026-27
- Grouped for answer
- Yes
- Subjects
- Children Protection Dangerous dogs
- Link
- View this Written question on www.parliament.uk
Librarians' tools
- Timestamp
- 2026-06-19 12:45:19 +0100
- URI
- http://data.parliament.uk/writtenparliamentaryquestion/commons/2026-27/8738
- In Indexing
- http://indexing.parliament.uk/Content/Edit/1?uri=http://data.parliament.uk/writtenparliamentaryquestion/commons/2026-27/8738
- In Solr
- https://search.parliament.uk/claw/solr/?id=http://data.parliament.uk/writtenparliamentaryquestion/commons/2026-27/8738