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PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(10 June 2026)

Question Asked

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take legislative steps to prohibit leaving children under the age of 12 unsupervised with dogs of any breed.

Asked by:
Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat)

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.


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