A labrador, retriever and border collier are among the breeds of dog seized by Wiltshire Police this year under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, police and local authorities have the power to take any dog suspected of being a banned breed or a dog alleged to be dangerously out of control.
A recent freedom of information request submitted to Wiltshire Police revealed the number of dogs seized by officers in recent years, along with the breeds of dog.
These dogs were kept in kennels while their fate was decided, which often happens if the owner is taken to court and they are waiting for the outcome.
So far this year, 22 dogs have been seized. There were 41 dogs seized during the whole of 2025 and just 19 in 2024.
According to the FOI, the breeds seized so far this year include:
- 1 Akita
- 1 German Shepherd
- 1 Retriever
- 1 Labrador
- 1 Cane Corso
- 1 English Bull Terrier
- 1 Standard Bully
- 1 Bull Breed Cross
- 1 Border Collie
- 2 Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- 2 Rottweilers
- 2 Mastiff
- 7 Crossbreed
In 2020, the number of dog attacks, where a dog was dangerously out of control and caused injuries, recorded by the police force was just one.
According to a separate FOI, the following year, there were three incidents recorded, before a sharp rise in 2022 at 291 incidents.
A further 423 were recorded in 2023, followed by 488 in 2024 and 546 last year.
Wiltshire Police were left with a total bill of £421,128 to cover kennel costs and associated vets fees for dangerous dogs last year - up from £268,703 the previous year.
In 2020, this figure was significantly lower, at £38,771.
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Dog owners have also found themselves in court after incidents involving their beloved pets.
Earlier this year, Sarah-Jane Sole, 35, of Morris Street, Rodbourne, pleaded guilty to the offence on Wednesday, May 6 after her staffy cross Reggie ran out of a property and attacked a woman who was walking past with her dog on May 13, 2025.
The woman's injuries were not believed to be serious and Reggie was seized by Wiltshire Police.
Sole was handed a 12-month community order with a requirement to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.
The 35-year-old has been banned from having custody or being in control of a dog for three years.
The magistrates made an order to have Reggie destroyed.
She has been ordered to pay £250 compensation to the victim.
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