Expert Witness for Dog Behaviour Cases

Dog in a secure pen looking through the bars

Dog Behaviour and Breed Type Assessment for Legal Cases in England, Wales, and Scotland

Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), MSc, CDBC, GMBPsS is an experienced expert witness in canine behaviour, providing independent assessments and reports for criminal and civil proceedings across England, Wales, and Scotland.

He is one of a limited number of behaviourists in the UK who regularly prepare expert witness reports for court proceedings, with reports accepted in both criminal and civil cases, and prepared in accordance with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules and equivalent regional directions.

Areas of Instruction

Daniel can provide expert evidence in cases involving:

• Section 1 and Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

• The Animal Welfare Act 2006

• The Animals Act 1971

• The Dogs Act 1871

• The Control of Dogs Act 2010 (Scotland)

• Civil proceedings, including personal injury claims

• Family court matters where dog behaviour is a relevant factor

Breed Type Identification (XL Bully)

Cases arising under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 often require independent expert opinion on whether a dog should be considered a prohibited type.

Daniel has particular expertise in the assessment of XL Bully type dogs and provides detailed conformation-based evaluations to assist the court in determining type.

His experience includes formal training and assessment in anatomy, canine conformation and movement, alongside practical experience with a wide range of bull breed types.

Behavioural Assessment

Behavioural assessments are conducted to provide the court with a clear, evidence-based understanding of a dog’s behaviour and associated risks.

These assessments may include:

• Analysis of bite incidents, including behavioural context and contributing factors

• Evaluation of risk to individuals, animals, and public safety

• Assessment of environmental and management factors

• Consideration of owner handling and responsibility

• Recommendations for proportionate and practical risk management strategies

• Assessment of welfare needs in line with current standards

Personal Injury and Dog Bite Cases

Daniel provides expert input in personal injury claims involving dog bites and dog-related incidents. His reports assist the court in understanding the behavioural factors relevant to liability and causation, including analysis of the incident, contributing behavioural and environmental factors, and considerations of foreseeability and risk.

Initial Enquiries

For quotations or to arrange a free 15-minute initial consultation to discuss suitability and scope of instruction, please get in touch:

Email: daniel@animalbehaviourkent.co.uk

Telephone: +44 7496 312905

Daniel is based in Edinburgh but accepts instructions across England, Wales, and Scotland.

About Daniel

Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), MSc, CDBC is an animal behaviourist and expert witness specialising in canine behaviour.

He has been instructed in cases involving dogs seized under Sections 1 and 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, as well as in family court proceedings and civil matters including personal injury claims. His expert reports have been accepted in court proceedings across both criminal and civil cases.

Daniel has run a behaviour practice in the South East of England since 2019 and relocated to Scotland in 2026, continuing to undertake expert witness work across the UK.

His work focuses on dogs presenting with complex behavioural issues, including aggression, trauma-related responses, and fear-based behaviour. He also conducts assessments for foster and adoption organisations, including suitability assessments for homes with children.

Daniel holds an MSc in Neuroscience from King’s College London and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology. He is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) with the IAABC and a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society.

He has undertaken extensive additional training in canine behaviour, aggression, applied ethology, and aspects of dog law, and continues to engage in ongoing professional development, staying up to date with the latest research and scientific understanding of canine behaviour, aggression, and behavioural assessment.

Daniel has completed formal training in canine conformation, including the Kennel Club Conformation and Movement Seminar and Points of the Dog Assessment, alongside further study in canine anatomy and physiology.

In addition to his casework, Daniel is a regular speaker at both national and international conferences. He presents on topics including dog bite risk, prevention, and the neurobiology of canine aggression, contributing to professional understanding of dog-related injury and public safety. He has also presented to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Animal Welfare on issues relating to dog bite risk and public safety.

Full CV can be provided on request.

Daniel's primary website for expert work is now https://dogbehaviourspecialist.co.uk/

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at daniel@animalbehaviourkent.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do you cover the whole of the UK?

Yes. Although based in Edinburgh, Daniel accepts instructions nationwide and conducts in-person assessments across England, Wales, and Scotland, with travel arranged as required. He has been instructed in cases involving multiple UK police forces, including the Metropolitan Police, Essex Police, Greater Manchester Police, Kent Police, Suffolk Police, Leicestershire Police, Wiltshire Police, Avon and Somerset Police, and Dyfed-Powys Police, and works with solicitors across the country.

What does a behavioural assessment involve?

A behavioural assessment typically includes a review of case materials and disclosure, an in-person assessment of the dog, a home assessment where appropriate, and a detailed written report. The report considers behaviour, risk, environment, and management, and provides clear, proportionate recommendations where required.

Can you assess whether a dog is an XL Bully type?

Yes. Daniel provides breed type assessments in cases requiring consideration under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, including whether a dog meets the substantial characteristics of the XL Bully type.

How much does an assessment cost?

Costs vary depending on the nature of the case, location, and scope of instruction. Please get in touch for a tailored quotation.

Do you accept Legal Aid cases?

Yes. Daniel accepts instructions in cases funded by the Legal Aid Agency, subject to the relevant requirements.

How long does it take to receive a report?

Timescales depend on the complexity of the case and the availability of information. Estimated timelines will be clearly outlined at the point of instruction.

What is Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991?

Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 relates to prohibited types of dogs. In legal cases, expert evidence may be required to assess whether a dog has substantial characteristics of a banned type, such as the XL Bully. This involves a detailed assessment of the dog’s physical conformation and comparison against recognised standards.

What is Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991?

Section 3 relates to cases where a dog is alleged to be dangerously out of control. Expert behavioural assessment may be used to help the court understand the circumstances of an incident, contributing factors, and the level of risk posed by the dog.