Q33: There is a dog that lives down the street and the owner has let it out without a lead and it has bitten me, what can I do?

If the bite has broken the skin, you should clean the wound immediately by running warm tap water over it for a couple of minutes. You should then seek immediate medical attention (further information on treating animal bites can be found in the related information). After seeking medical attention, you should report the incident to your local police.

It is an offence to have a dog dangerously out of control (see Q653 for further information). The dog owner (or the person for the time being in charge of the dog) may be prosecuted and could face imprisonment and/or a fine. In addition the courts can make a variety of orders in relation to the dog, which range from muzzling to destruction.