North Wales Police May 2014 Dog Section. FATAL/SERIOUS DOG ATTACKS PROTOCOL Investigative Considerations

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1 FATAL/SERIOUS DOG ATTACKS PROTOCOL Investigative Considerations 1

2 This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Force Policy OSS Dogs and the relevant Force Risk Assessments. Contents Statement Aims Objectives Definitions The Role of the Dog Legislation Officer (DLO) Joint Communications Centre Initial actions Joint Communications Centre Subsequent actions Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) Considerations Post Mortem Considerations Other Investigative Considerations Child Safety Issues Management of Dog(s) at Scene Points to consider with regards to destruction of the dog(s) Destruction not authorised Destruction authorised Management of scene with regards to Dog(s) Key legislation Force Contacts Flowchart suggested considerations for dealing with dangerous dog incidents Appendix 1 - Dangerous Dogs indemnity form Statement 2

3 Ownership of certain prohibited types of dogs is a criminal offence. Furthermore, allowing any type of dog to be dangerously out of control in any place is also a criminal offence. Legal action may be taken against the owner and /or the person in charge of the dog at the time. rth Wales Police considers it vital to have a clear and consistent approach to dealing with dangerous and prohibited dogs. We intend to make best use of any existing or future legislation to help us investigate allegations and suspected offences whilst also ensuring due consideration is given to the welfare of those animals under our control. We are committed to protecting people from injury or fear of injury by dogs. Aims To provide first responders, investigators and SIO s with a menu of tactical options for consideration when dealing with fatal or serious dog attacks The protocol is also to ensure that our response to such incidents is lawful, reasonable, proportionate and necessary. Objectives More specific objectives are to: Ensure that log management is of the highest standard possible with underpinning accountability Provide a set of considerations for senior investigating officers to utilise when dealing with dog-related incidents in order to bring those responsible to justice Maintain a victim-orientated approach to any dog-related incidents and comply with the Victims Code of Practice Definitions For the purpose of this protocol a serious dog attack is where the severities of the injuries are such that they are considered life threatening or life changing. A dog will be classed as a Dangerous in the following circumstances: Where defined in law as being of a breed or breed type classified as Dangerous (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, Japanese Tosa (See Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 as amended 1997), or any type appearing to be, or having characteristics of, a type bred for fighting, and designated for the purposes of this section by an order of the Secretary of State. 3

4 Where section 3 of the Act applies (i.e. the dog is dangerously out of control in any place). Where circumstances suggest that the dog is of a dangerous nature, e.g. has bitten a person or has displayed aggression and/or lack of control in aggravating circumstances (this is not an exhaustive list) Where the dog is being used by its owner in a manner that could be described as anti-social. The Role of the Dog Legislation Officer (DLO) To Act as central point of contact for officers who are investigating any alleged dog related crimes and be able to guide them through to the most appropriate course of action. To identify any dogs that may be suspected of being prohibited under Sec1 DDA 1991 and then compile a detailed report to assist the courts in reaching an appropriate decision over a dog s type. To be confident to assist the CPS make appropriate decisions and where necessary guide them with legal references and stated cases. To ensure the welfare of dogs kept in police custody. To act as liaison between the police service and interested animal welfare organizations and local authorities. It is vital that this role is confined to giving advice to officers and that the initial reporting officer stays the investigating officer for the purpose of administration and case compiling. Joint Communications Centre Initial actions 1) Call received regarding fatal/serious dog attack. 2) Consider grading immediate response due to potential risks to safety. 3) Request Ambulance attendance (if not already on route/in attendance) 4) Direct Officers to the scene to undertake an initial assessment. 5) Consider deployment of Force officers to assist with the security of the offending dog(s) (Dog handlers are issued with appropriate equipment e.g. catcher poles ) 6) Ensure victim and officer safety and establish the location of the offending dog(s), where possible directing the dog s owner(s) to secure the dog. 7) Obtain exact location of the incident and an overview sufficient to inform the appropriate supervisor. Where necessary/appropriate local supervisor to be despatched to the scene. 8) The police dynamic response to the initial situation will normally dictate whether the animal(s) will be destroyed at the scene. 4

5 First officer at scene responsibilities 1) Public safety and the securing of evidence are paramount. Officers should carefully consider the seizure of the dogs. It is imperative that there is no reoccurrence of the initial type of incident. In the first instance officers should consider giving the dog owners (if present) the opportunity to disclaim the dog into the custody of rth Wales Police (please see Appendix 1 for copy of indemnity and guidance). If this is not possible, officers should consider the powers available. If the dog is in a public place the dog can be seized under s.5 (1) of the DDA If in private, officers should consider their powers under s.19 of PACE (3) the constable may seize anything which is on the premises if he has reasonable grounds for believing - (a) That it is evidence in relation to an offence which he is investigating or any other offence; and (b) That it is necessary to seize it in order to prevent the evidence being concealed, lost, altered or destroyed. It is likely that officers will be lawfully on the premises having entered under section 17 PACE to save life and limb. Clearly they will be investigating an offence in which the dog is evidence. It is critical in order to preserve evidence present with the dog, that it is preserved by seizure. 2) If the incident is fatal the initial attending officer to be instructed that the body is to remain in situ pending DI review. Scene to be treated as a Crime Scene. If incident is serious, details of hospital which victim has been transferred to be obtained. 3) Scene of attack to be treated as a crime scene - officers in attendance to be instructed to secure the scene and commence a scene log. 4) Witnesses to be identified and their accounts to be obtained and documented at the earliest opportunity. 5) To ensure that the owner signs the necessary indemnity (as at Appendix 1) to avoid unnecessary Kennel costs for NWP. Joint Communications Centre Subsequent actions 5

6 1) tify Dog Legislation Officer. In serious incidents, consider call out. 2) Where initial assessment establishes it to be a 'serious' dog attack (where severities of the injuries are such that they are considered life threatening or life changing) incident to be classified as a 'critical incident' and a DI nominated as SIO to consider initial investigative strategy. The LPS DI for the area in question is to be notified between 0800 hours hours Mon-Friday and the CADRE DI notified between weekdays and between 1700 Friday and 0600 Monday (i.e. weekends). The DI will assume the role of SIO and will review the incident and decide on investigative strategy giving due consideration of the range of tactical options contained within the protocol. 3) Early contact with the DLO is critical. 4) If the incident is fatal the initial attending officer to be instructed that the body is to remain in situ pending DI review. Scene to be treated as a Crime Scene. If incident is serious, details of hospital which victim has been transferred to be obtained. 5) Scene of attack to be treated as a crime scene - officers in attendance to be instructed to secure the scene and commence a scene log. 6) Consider need for Force Firearms Unit (Duty inspector to determine need for immediate dog destruction). Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) Considerations 1) Initial actions to be reviewed and early investigation strategy set. SIO to identify all potential 'Fast Track Actions' for completion in the early stages of the enquiry. Any actions identified to be documented on ICAD or RMS as appropriate. 2) SIO to ensure appropriate investigative assets are deployed to carry out investigation. It may be that this is the initial attending officer and they are the most appropriate person to continue with the investigation. On the other hand it may be that more involvement from CID is required. When making this decision the potential complexity of these types of cases should be borne in mind. More often than not they are difficult to investigate due to the unique nature of the evidence, the corresponding impact of the media attention, the public confidence issues, and the specialised nature of the procedures which are often unfamiliar to officers. 3) Witnesses to be identified and their accounts to be obtained and documented at the earliest opportunity. Consideration to be given to the appropriateness of video interviews being conducted in accordance with the principles of ABE. Potential offences of murder, gross negligence manslaughter, s.5 Domestic Violence, Crimes and Victims Act 2004 (causing, allowing death of a child/vulnerable adult), cruelty (neglect, abandonment, exposure of a child) Children and Young Persons Act 1933, Neglect - Occupier's Liability Act 1957, Sections 1 and 3 Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and sections 4 and 9 Animal Welfare Act 2006 to be considered. 4) Potential crime scene to be secured and preserved in accordance with accepted practices. Consideration to be given to attending the scene in company with CSM to ensure appropriate forensic strategy is employed to maximise evidence from scene. Consideration to be given to a video/photographic record of the scene. Consideration may also be needed regarding forensic examination of the victim and dog to prove contact. 5) An incident of this nature will attract media attention and if not already done consideration should be given to declaring it a 'critical incident'. Consideration regarding liaison with Silver and/or duty SIO where appropriate. 6

7 6) A holding press statement should be considered in the initial stages in liaison with the Media Office. 7) Consideration to be given to allocating an FLO to the family particularly in fatal incidents. 8) Searches of Force Databases (RMS/ICAD) to be considered to see if there have been any other concerns raised or relevant incidents reported. Post Mortem Considerations 1) Where the incident has resulted in a fatality - SIO/Coroner will need to authorise a HO Forensic Post Mortem. Consideration will need to be given to appropriate type of PM and attendees (Paediatric pathologist where victim is a child). 2) Where the dog in question has been destroyed at scene, suspected offending dog will be need to be subject of a post mortem by an approved veterinary pathologist. The identified veterinary practitioner will be appointed in consultation with DLO, who will hold details of appropriate veterinary practitioners. Breed/Type identification of the dog is vital especially if it suspected of being a prohibited type and a prosecution is to be considered under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act Liaison will be required with Dog Legislation Officer (DLO) as this will be undertaken at the same time as the Post Mortem. Identification can only be conducted by a recognised expert. The Post Mortem of the dog will * need to establish the cause of death of the animal * allow forensic samples to be recovered from the animal, should more than one animal have been present at the attack * allow dental impressions to be recovered if necessary * allow recovery of ingested/inhaled evidence from the victim * allow toxicology samples to be recovered for analysis for drugs etc * allow detailed examination of the animal for signs of ill-health, involvement in dog fighting, cruelty or other mistreatment. Other Investigative Considerations 1. Identification is essential - there are only a very small number of experts available nationally, and it should be assumed that they may have contact with one another. Liaison should be conducted with the DLO to ensure that the identification is impartial. 2. Independent Experts may proactively contact the SIO/investigation team to offer assistance; caution should be exercised in these circumstances. Independent experts have been known to contact families/owners of animals - it is not uncommon for experts to disagree on identification. The SIO must consult with the DLO to ensure the appropriate expert is appointed to assess the dog and identify if it is a prohibited type. 7

8 3. Prohibited Types of dog may not be able to be accurately "typed" until maturity. Each dog is to be assessed on an individual basis with regards to its age and conformation. 4. Determine if there have been any 'pre-cursor' incidents i.e. unreported attacks within the household by the dog on family members or other animals. Searches of Force Databases (RMS/ICAD) to be considered to see if there have been any other concerns raised or relevant incidents reported (Local authority dog wardens must also be spoken to, as they may have had incidents reported to them). Child Safety Issues 1) Consider safeguarding risks to other children in the household in question. Where such risks are identified ensure that appropriate immediate measures are in place to address risks, and that an appropriate CID16 referral is made. 2) SUDI protocol should be consulted and complied with as best practice for dealing with fatalities involving children (although the cause of death is unlikely to be unexplained). Management of Dog(s) at Scene Officers on initially attending the scene will ensure the safety of all parties at the location following a dynamic risk assessment. The location and a description of the offending dog(s) and its demeanour should be passed to the Force officers at the earliest opportunity if they are not already at the scene. Force Dog Section officers will conduct a dynamic risk assessment when arriving at the scene and secure the dog if possible, to ensure the safety of all persons present and to allow access to ambulance staff if appropriate. Should the potential for further injury from the offending dog(s) be such that it cannot be safely contained by conventional methods at the Force s disposal, officers should request the attendance of the Force Firearms officers at the earliest opportunity. This request should be brought to the attention of the duty Inspector / SIO immediately. Any decision to destroy the dog(s) prior to the attendance of the SIO should be based solely on the danger it poses to those present, and should be with the authority of the duty inspector if practicable. The safety of all individuals at the location will take priority over scene preservation. If the dog(s) can be securely contained in order to allow safe access to ambulance staff and the safe removal of any persons present, Force officers should do so at the earliest opportunity. The Force officer having first contact with the dog(s) will be the designated dog handler (DDH). The DDH will exhibit the dog(s) and provide continuity when the dog(s) is removed from the scene. The DDH may be the Dog Legislation Officer (DLO) if they attend the scene. On the arrival of the SIO, if the dog(s) has not already been destroyed consideration should be given as to whether it is necessary to destroy the dog at the scene or not. CSI is to photograph the dog in situ and also photograph it s surrounding to include the whole dwelling if appropriate. Points to consider with regards to destruction of the dog(s); 8

9 Risk to public at and around scene Risk to officers handling the dog(s) Consent to destruction by owner Secure and preserve evidence i.e., mouth and paw swabs, stomach contents etc. Loss of evidence following destruction i.e., physical conformation, behavioural assessment. Where there are multiple dogs at the scene, they will be dealt with on an individual basis. Destruction not authorised. If destruction at the scene is not deemed necessary Force officers will assist CSI in the gathering of samples prior to the dog(s) being removed from the scene. CSI should liaise with the veterinary practitioner with regards to the inducement of vomiting in order to secure stomach contents of dog(s) if required. Once CSI have taken samples from the dog(s) it will be conveyed to secure kennelling at Nant y Corn Kennels, Abergele, with the assistance of Force officers. On arrival at Nant y Corn kennels the dog(s) shall be secured. The seized property template within the Occurrence Enquiry Log (OEL) on RMS to be completed. In the interests of the dog(s) welfare it should be examined by the identified veterinary practitioner at the earliest opportunity. There will be considerable interest from animal welfare organisations and individuals with regards to the dog(s) wellbeing. Where possible the owner of the dog is to sign the indemnity to cover the kennelling costs (see appendix 1). The Manager of the contracted Kennels will manage the dog s welfare during the time that the police are the custodians of it. DEFRA Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs and Animal Welfare Act 2006, must be adhered to at all times. Due to the potential high profile of any such incident, consideration should be given to the security of the kennels and if necessary the arrangement of alternative approved accommodation for the dog(s). The dog(s) will be made available to the designated expert, who will be appointed by the SIO in consultation with the DLO at the earliest opportunity. The designated expert will give expert evidence with regards to the physical conformation of any dog suspected of being of a prohibited type, and evidence with regards to abuse and cruelty. If the dog(s) is obviously not a prohibited dog the designated expert will not be required. In consultation with the SIO and DLO, the identified veterinary practitioner will gather evidence regarding any abuse or cruelty the dog may have been subjected to. Destruction authorised. If it is deemed necessary to destroy the dog(s) at the scene, this will be where possible, with the authority of the SIO following their assessment of the circumstances. Prior to the dog(s) destruction the Force officer should 9

10 make themselves known to the AFO s tasked with the dog(s) destruction, or the identified veterinary practitioner at the scene. This is to ensure continuity from the outset. Where possible owner to sign indemnity to cover the associated veterinary bill (see appendix 1). Once destruction has been carried out CSI shall collate evidence from the dog(s) prior to its removal from the scene. Swabs should be taken from the dog(s) paws, mouth, and nose. Any other samples may be taken that the CSI deem appropriate. Following the retrieval of samples, bags should be placed over the dog(s) head and paws. The dog(s) should be scanned for a microchip. If a microchip is located the unique reference number should be conveyed to the SIO and FSI. Should a microchip not be located, and a microchipping facility not immediately available, the Force Dog Section officer should place a property seal on either of the front legs at the forearm just above the paw. The unique reference number then conveyed to the SIO and CSI. Under the supervision of the CSI the dog(s) should then be placed into a human body bag and secured. The Force officer will then accompany the dog(s) to a refrigeration unit supplied by the identified veterinary practitioner. The dog(s) is not to be frozen. Following consultation with the SIO and CSI the DLO will arrange the transportation of the dog(s) to the Royal Veterinary College, Pathology Department, Hartford, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA. At a time convenient to all parties the appointed veterinary pathologist, designated expert, CSI and DLO, shall carry out a joint examination of the dog. The DLO will ensure continuity of the dog and should witness the examination to provide advice and guidance if required. The DLO should examine the dog as soon as practicable following its destruction. This will present the best opportunity to gather evidence in relation to the dog s conformity to a prohibited breed. Each expert will provide information in the following areas: 1. Pathologist; Cause of death Medical conditions that may have contributed to behaviour Evidence of fighting, abuse, cruelty and mistreatment 2. Designated expert; Conformation of type of dog Evidence of fighting, abuse, cruelty and mistreatment 3. CSI; Evidential samples from mouth and paws Stomach contents Samples from lungs (inhalation) It is accepted that due to areas of expertise, the same evidence may be noted by more than one person present. Management of scene with regards to Dog(s) 10

11 The living conditions of the dog(s) may have been a significant contributory factor to the incident, and efforts should be made to gain as much information concerning this by both examining the scene and speaking to family members and members of the community. It is important to ascertain the role of the dog, especially if the incident has occurred at the family home. Is the dog a valued member of the family group, referred to as a pet or companion dog? Alternatively, the dog may be a guard dog or status symbol, referred to as a resident dog, spending the vast majority of its life shut away from and isolated from the family group. Family members should be spoken to concerning; The history of the dog(s) Who owned the dog(s)? * In whose care was the dog when the incident took place. If not the owner, who authorised this person to take care of the dog? Who paid for the dog(s)? What breed or type is the dog? What is their knowledge of dogs in general? Who exercised the dog(s)? How much exercise does the dog have? Who fed the dog? What food did the dog have and how much? Any previous signs of aggression seen in the dog? Where is the dog kept? Any other animals at the property? Has the dog ever been ill or injured? Has the dog ever received veterinary treatment? What are the details of the veterinary practitioner that treated the Dog? Members of the community should be spoken to concerning; How often was the dog seen to be exercised? Who exercised the dog? Was the dog exercised on or off lead? Did the dog appear sociable towards people? Did the dog appear sociable towards other dogs? Was the dog under control at the premises, front garden etc.? Were there any concerns regarding the dog(s) within the community? There may be evidence of abnormal behaviour by the dog at the premises such as digging, chewing, scratching and pacing. The identified veterinary practitioner and DLO should accompany the CSI at the scene to identify areas that require further examination and photographing. Consultation with the RSPCA may be considered to assist in animal welfare issues. The identified veterinary practitioner and DDLO should also examine the general living conditions of the dog(s) for example; Feeding area 11

12 Access to water Food Kennelling conditions If tethered Dog faeces FATAL/SERIOUS DOG ATTACKS Should the living conditions of the dog be extremely poor, the SIO may wish to consult with the identified veterinary practitioner the benefits of requesting the RSPCA and a canine behaviourist attend the scene. A suitable behaviourist may be accessed via the Dangerous Dog Unit, West Midlands Police. Other considerations for officers attending the scene should be the presence of any of the following; The smell of the scene and the dog living area. It is worthy of note that this evidence is not recorded and therefore should be documented Books pertaining to dogs, in particular fighting breeds or prohibited breeds Literature relating to dog fighting or breeding Correspondence, s, and text messages to and from people relating to dogs Veterinary equipment and drugs (especially drugs from abroad or with no Veterinary Practice details) Literature relating to the Dog(s), vaccination cards, receipts for veterinary treatment Breeding equipment Steroids and other controlled substances. Key Legislation This guide is intended to give a brief overview of the legislation. Attending/investigating officers should also consider where the incident actually occurred. If in a public place, then consideration should be under Section 3 DDA If the elements of the offence are not present, consider alternative legislation, i.e. Dogs Act If in private, but where the offending dog had no right to be, then 12

13 again consideration should be under Section 3 DDA 1991, if the elements are present. If not, consider the Dogs Act Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (DDA) Prior to this legislation there were no criminal offences available to enforcers directly to protect people from injury, or fear of injury by dogs. Therefore it is vital to understand that the intention of Parliament was the protection of people. This Act is used to deal with the most serious incidents and generally it will be the police who instigate proceedings. Section 1 Section 1 prohibits the ownership of certain types of dogs, unless they are exempted on the Index of Exempt Dogs, and was intended to have a preventative effect. Prosecutions can be brought before a Court based on just the physical characteristics of the dog (i.e. what it looks like). In any incident dealing with a potential prohibited dog it may be worth contacting the Index of Exempted Dogs (IED) for advice and guidance at an early stage on dogsindex@defra.gsi.gov.uk Section 3 (as amended by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (Part 7, Dangerous dogs). 1. Section 3 creates a criminal offence of allowing any dog (i.e. of any breed or type) to be dangerously out of control in any place. A dog can be regarded as being dangerously out of control on any occasion where it causes fear or apprehension to a person that it may injure them. Furthermore, if that dog does injure a person then the offence is aggravated. 2. There is an exemption from prosecution for householders where their dog has been dangerously out of control with respect to a trespasser who is in, or entering, their home, whether the owner is present or not. This exemption does not apply to dog attacks on trespassers in gardens, driveways or outbuildings. The reason for this is to differentiate between innocently intentioned trespassers, such as a child entering a garden to retrieve a ball, a neighbour leaving a parcel for safe keeping or retrieving garden cuttings, from those with malign intentions. Trespassers in or entering a dwelling are more likely to have malign intent. 3. The 2014 Act makes it an offence to own or be in charge of a dog that attacks an assistance dog. An attack on an assistance dog will be treated as an aggravated offence Dogs Act

14 Although over 100 years old now this Act is possibly the most effective piece of dog control legislation available to enforcers. Civil proceedings are brought at a Magistrates Court and this can be done by the police, local authorities, or individual members of the public. This legislation should always be taken into consideration when enforcers are investigating any incidents relating to dogs or when concerns are raised over an allegation of irresponsible dog ownership. Furthermore, it can be particularly effective when dealing with attacks on other domestic pets or livestock. Section 2 Section 2 requires that the owner is brought before a Magistrates court on a complaint and if the Magistrate is satisfied that the complaint is justified they can make any order they feel appropriate to require the owner to ensure that the dog is kept under proper control or in extreme cases destroyed. Importantly this is regardless of whether the dog is in a private or public place. te proceedings must be commenced by way of a complaint. Dangerous Dogs Act 1989 In addition to any civil order made under the 1871 Act, the 1989 Act allows a Magistrate to disqualify an owner from having custody of a dog for any period the Court thinks fit. The 1989 Act also provides enforcement provisions for breaches of any control order imposed on an individual under the 1871 Act. Metropolitan Police Act 1839 and Town Police Clauses Act 1847 These provide for offences for anyone to allow an un-muzzled ferocious dog to be at large (i.e. not under proper control in a public place) and attack, worry, or put in fear any person, horse or other animal in any thoroughfare or public place in the metropolitan police district, or any street in a town. Offences against the Person Act 1861 This Act makes it an offence, under section 18 of the Offences Against the person act 1861 to maliciously wound or cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) to another with or without a weapon or instrument. Section 47 also creates an offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH). These offences should only be considered in the most extreme circumstances due to the severity of the penalties. With all prosecutions it is important that enforcement authorities share intelligence and information where possible and update each other on outcomes. Children and Young Person s Act 1933 s. 1(1) This act makes it an offence for anyone aged 16 and over, who are caring for a child, to wilfully assault, ill treat, neglect, abandon or expose the child in a manner likely to cause him/her unnecessary suffering or injury to health. 14

15 Force contacts Force Dog Legislation Officers 15

16 Flowchart suggested considerations for dealing with dangerous dog incidents Is the dog a pit bull type? Is the dog considered aggressive, dangerous or is there any concern for public safety? (always consider appropriate action if the dog is injured or in distress) Has an offence under s3 of the DDA been committed? further action Is the dog a pit bull type? Is the dog a pit bull type? Will the owner sign the dog up to be registered under s4b (DDA) undertaking? Are there any other offences under other dog or animal welfare legislation? Is the dog in a public place? Full risk assessment by a DLO Is there any risk to public safety? further action Do not seize the dog but proceed by summons or complaint. You may also want to seek advice from the RSPCA. Is it safe to leave the dog? Proceed under s5(1) DDA Leave the dog and proceed under s4b DDA Leave the dog and either prosecute under s3 DDA or via a complaint under s2 Dogs Act 1871 Seize the dog and prosecute under the DDA S19 PACE Are police lawfully on premises (MDA/Theft 16 Act/ warrant/etc)? Obtain warrant under s5(2) DDA to seize dog and prosecute under DDA

17 Appendix 1 rth Wales Police Dangerous Dogs Indemnity Form I an officer of rth Wales Police confirm that the dog below was seized by rth Wales Police and is currently the subject of an investigation into an alleged offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act Name of dog: Date of seizure: Owner of dog: Address of owner: Office name and collar no.: Supervisor name and collar no.: Signature of officer: Dated: I confirm that I am the owner of the dog and I understand the dog has been seized in connection with an investigation of an alleged offence. 17

18 I hereby agree that if there is no prosecution or there is a prosecution but no order is made for the destruction of the dog I shall: Or 1. disclaim ownership of the dog. I understand that by doing so title to the dog will vest in rth Wales Police who will within 7 days make all reasonable efforts to re-home the dog. If having made reasonable efforts, it is not possible to re-home the dog, rth Wales Police will dispose of the dog. Disposal may include destruction of the dog. 2. reclaim the dog. If I reclaim the dog I shall pay the kennel/vet fees incurred by the rth Wales Police while the dog is in its custody from the date I am notified by the police that I may collect the dog (which shall be following a decision not to prosecute or following the date of the Court decision) until and including the date the dog is collected by myself or my representative ( the Relevant Date ). 3. If having agreed to reclaim the dog I then fail to collect it within 7 days of the Relevant Date, title to the dog shall vest in rth Wales Police who shall thereafter dispose of the dog in accordance with paragraph 1 above. (Delete as appropriate) Name: Signature: Date: 18