Written question asked by Ruth Jones (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Monday, 22 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Children

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has she made of the potential safety risks of leaving children under the age of 12 unsupervised with a dog of any breed; and what if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of updating a) legislation and b) guidance.

Answer

From 1 November, 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.

Defra will work with partners, including policing and animal welfare organisations, to support clear and consistent communication that any dog can pose a risk in certain situations and that young children should always be supervised around all type of dogs. This Government does not currently have plans to extend the new age measure requirement to all breeds of dog.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 9661
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Children Dogs Protection
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Dogs: Children

Secondary information

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