Nuisance and Abandoned Animals

Animals that are poorly treated, uncontrolled or abandoned can pose a danger to the public, other animals and the wider community. This page explains the common types of nuisance animal behaviour, the impact it can have, and what action you should take to stay safe and report concerns.

Common types of nuisance animal

Aggressive or Out‑of‑Control Animals

Some owners deliberately train animals, particularly dogs, to be aggressive or intimidating. This may involve walking an animal in a threatening manner or leaving it tied up in a public place where it could harm a vulnerable person or another animal if it breaks free. Such behaviour poses a serious risk to public safety.

Animals Used for Illegal Activities

Some animals are bred or trained for illegal activities such as dog fighting, hare coursing or badger baiting. These activities cause severe suffering to the animals involved and often lead to other wildlife being harmed, injured or killed for sport.

What is the impact?

Like all forms of violence, if left unchecked this situation could get worse. More people would buy and raise aggressive animals so as not to be intimidated by other people’s.

Not only would this make for more intimidating and less safe communities it would mean a huge increase in the numbers of abused and tormented animals. We can’t let this happen.

What you can do?

Aggressive or Out‑of‑Control Animals

If left unchallenged, aggressive or illegally used animals can create unsafe and intimidating communities. More people may feel pressured to acquire aggressive animals for protection, leading to:

• Increased fear and intimidation

• Higher levels of animal abuse

• Greater risk to children, vulnerable people and pets

• A breakdown in community safety and trust

We cannot allow this cycle of violence and neglect to continue.

If you’ve witnessed an aggressive or out of control animal, or an owner using an animal to intimidate people, please report antisocial behaviour to us.

Likewise, if you know someone who is using animals in illegal activities such as dog fighting, please report antisocial behaviour.

Stray or Abandoned Animals

If you find an injured stray or abandoned animal, contact:

• Your local veterinary surgery

• The RSPCA on 0300 1234 999

• Or report via the RSPCA website

They will assess the situation and contact the police if needed.

If you find a stray dog that is not sick or injured, report it to your local council, who are responsible for collecting stray dogs.