Best Animal & Dog Injury Lawyers in Stonehaven

About Animal & Dog Injury Law in Stonehaven, United Kingdom

Animal and dog injury cases in Stonehaven sit within the law of Scotland. If you are bitten, knocked over, chased, or otherwise injured by a dog or other animal, you may be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, medical bills, scar treatment, and care. Stonehaven is part of Aberdeenshire, so local enforcement and council measures are handled by Aberdeenshire Council, while civil claims are raised in the Sheriff Court serving the area, most commonly in Aberdeen. Incidents happen in a wide range of settings, including homes, public streets, beaches, parks, farms, and open countryside. The law also covers damage to property and clothing, and it has separate rules when livestock are involved.

Scottish law provides several routes to claim. Liability can arise under specific animal liability legislation, under general negligence principles, and under occupiers liability for incidents on land or premises. There are also criminal and control powers used by Police Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council to deal with out of control dogs.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you identify the correct legal route, gather evidence, and deal with insurers. Many claims turn on whether strict liability applies under Scottish animal legislation or whether you need to prove negligence. A solicitor can assess the facts, including any prior aggressive behaviour by the dog, the circumstances of the incident, and the legal definition of keeper or owner. They can also value complex injuries such as facial scarring and psychological harm, which are common after dog attacks.

Legal help is often needed where the owner denies responsibility, when there are multiple potential defenders such as a property occupier and a dog walker, when the dog owner is uninsured, or where criminal proceedings or a Dog Control Notice are ongoing. Solicitors also guide parents in children cases, support delivery workers or cyclists injured on private driveways, and advise dog owners who face claims or control measures after an incident. Clear advice on time limits, evidence preservation, and out of court settlement can protect your position and improve outcomes.

Local Laws Overview

Animals Scotland Act 1987. This Act sets the main civil liability rules for damage caused by animals in Scotland. A keeper can be strictly liable in defined situations, including where the species is likely to cause severe damage or where the animal displays characteristics that are not normally found except at particular times or in particular circumstances and those characteristics were known to the keeper. For dogs, liability can arise if the dog had known aggressive tendencies or if the circumstances made injury foreseeable, for example a dog guarding territory or pups. If strict liability does not apply, you may still recover by proving negligence.

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. It is a criminal offence for any dog to be dangerously out of control in any place, including private property. If a person is injured, penalties increase. Courts can impose destruction orders and disqualify owners. This can run alongside a civil compensation claim.

Control of Dogs Scotland Act 2010. Aberdeenshire Council can issue a Dog Control Notice if a dog is out of control and causes alarm or apprehensiveness. Notices can require training, muzzling, keeping the dog on a lead, or other measures. Breach of a notice is a criminal offence.

Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 1953 and the 2023 Scottish amendment. It is an offence to allow a dog to worry livestock on agricultural land. The 2023 changes in Scotland enhanced police powers and evidential tools. Civil claims for livestock losses and property damage can also arise.

Dog Fouling Scotland Act 2003. Failing to pick up after your dog in public places is an offence that can lead to fixed penalties. Aberdeenshire Council enforces local cleanliness and can designate areas with specific rules.

Microchipping of Dogs Scotland Regulations 2016. Dogs must be microchipped and keeper details must be kept up to date. This helps identify the keeper after incidents.

Land Reform Scotland Act 2003 and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Access rights require responsible behavior. Dogs should be under close control, and on a lead or short lead where signposted or near livestock.

Occupiers Liability Scotland Act 1960. Occupiers have a duty of care to visitors. If a dog on premises injures a lawful visitor, a claim may be brought against the occupier, the keeper, or both.

Time limits. Most personal injury claims must be raised within three years of the date of injury or date of knowledge. For children, the three year period usually starts on their 16th birthday. Claims for property damage typically follow a five year prescriptive period. Get advice as early as possible to avoid missing deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do right after a dog bite or animal injury in Stonehaven

Get yourself to a safe place and call 999 if there is a serious emergency. For non emergency police reporting use 101. Seek medical attention promptly, even for small puncture wounds, and ask for your injuries to be recorded. Report the incident to Aberdeenshire Council if the dog is out of control or a repeat concern. Take photos of injuries and the location, and keep damaged clothing. Get the name and contact details of the dog owner or keeper and of any witnesses. Do not post about the incident on social media. Speak to a solicitor as soon as you can.

Who pays my compensation in a dog injury claim

Most dog injury claims are handled by insurers. This could be the dog owner’s household insurer, a pet insurer, a landlord’s insurer, or a business insurer if the incident happened at commercial premises. If there is no insurance, you can still pursue the individual keeper. If a dog was deliberately used as a weapon and the incident is treated as a crime of violence, you may be able to apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. A solicitor can advise which route fits your case.

Do I have a claim if the dog has never bitten anyone before

Possibly. You can claim if you prove negligence, for example failure to control a known risk, poor fencing, or ignoring warnings. You may also claim under the Animals Scotland Act 1987 if the statutory conditions are met. Prior incidents can help prove knowledge of dangerous characteristics, but they are not always required. Each case depends on the facts.

What if I was partly to blame

Your compensation can be reduced to reflect contributory negligence. Examples include ignoring clear warnings, provoking the animal, or entering areas marked private. Children are assessed differently and with more protection. A solicitor can advise on realistic percentages and negotiate with insurers.

How long do I have to start a claim

In most personal injury cases the time limit is three years from the date of the incident or the date you became aware of the link between the injury and the incident. For children the three year period usually runs from their 16th birthday. Fatal cases have separate rules that commonly run from the date of death or date of knowledge. Property only claims, for example vet bills for your pet or damaged bicycle, often follow a five year prescriptive period. Get advice early to protect your rights.

What can I claim for

You can claim for pain and suffering, which in Scots law is called solatium, together with financial losses. These include medical and rehabilitation costs, travel, lost earnings, future loss of earnings, scar revision, therapy for psychological injury, care and assistance, and damaged property. Keep receipts, appointment letters, and wage records.

My job involves visiting homes and farms. Can I claim if I am injured by a dog while working

Yes. You may have a claim against the dog’s keeper, the occupier of the premises, or both. You may also have an employers liability claim if your employer failed to plan safe systems of work, for example no pre visit risk assessment or lack of training. Your sick pay and any recovery from insurers can be coordinated by your solicitor.

What if a dog injures my dog rather than me

In law, pets are treated as property. You can usually claim for veterinary bills, medication, and other reasonable expenses from the keeper of the attacking dog. Claims for distress are limited unless you suffered a recognised psychiatric injury. Evidence such as vet reports, photos, and witness statements will help.

Can I make the authorities take action against a dangerous dog

You can report the matter to Police Scotland and to Aberdeenshire Council. The council can investigate and, where appropriate, serve a Dog Control Notice requiring muzzle use, leads, training, or other steps. The police can bring criminal charges in serious or repeat cases. In urgent situations you may seek a civil court order such as an interdict to prevent the dog being in certain places or to require control measures.

How long will my case take and will I have to go to court

Many dog injury claims settle within 6 to 12 months once medical evidence is available. More serious injuries or disputed liability can take longer. Scotland has personal injury pre action protocols that encourage early settlement. If court proceedings are needed, your case may still settle before a hearing. Your solicitor will advise on timescales and whether the Simple Procedure or the personal injury court rules apply to your claim value.

Additional Resources

Police Scotland. Report dangerous or out of control dogs. Use 999 for emergencies and 101 for non emergencies.

Aberdeenshire Council Environmental Health and Dog Wardens. Investigate out of control dogs, issue Dog Control Notices, and enforce dog fouling rules.

NHS Grampian and local Minor Injury Units. Provide treatment and record injuries. Stonehaven Community Hospital can advise on access to local care.

Scottish SPCA. Animal welfare concerns, cruelty reporting, and advice on responsible ownership.

Citizens Advice Scotland. General guidance on your rights, time limits, and how to find help.

Law Society of Scotland. Find a solicitor who handles personal injury and animal cases.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. Compensation scheme for victims of violent crime, including some dog related assaults.

Next Steps

Prioritise your health. Get medical care and follow your clinician’s advice. Ask for copies of your records and photographs of injuries where appropriate.

Report the incident. Contact Police Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council if the dog was out of control or there is an ongoing risk to the public. Make a note of the reference numbers.

Preserve evidence. Keep damaged clothing, take photographs of the location and your injuries, and note dates, times, and witness details. Record the dog’s description and any microchip or tag information you are given. Keep receipts for all expenses.

Avoid early informal deals. Do not accept cash offers or sign documents without legal advice. Do not post about the incident online.

Speak to a solicitor. Ask about experience with Scottish animal and dog injury law, funding options such as no win no fee, and likely timescales. Early instruction helps with investigations, insurer contact, and valuation of your claim.

Mind the time limits. In Scotland most personal injury claims must be raised within three years, with special rules for children and capacity. If in doubt, get advice quickly so important deadlines are not missed.

If you are a dog owner facing a potential claim or control action, seek legal advice on your responsibilities, insurance cover, and steps you can take now, for example training, muzzling, veterinary checks, and cooperation with the council. Taking responsible action can reduce risk and may influence outcomes.