Expert Witness for Dog Behaviour Cases

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Our lead behaviourist, Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), MSc, GMBPsS, CDBC, is a member of the UK Register of Expert Witnesses and undertakes expert witness work in relation to dangerous dog legislation and animal behaviour.

Daniel regularly carries out behavioural assessments and provides expert evidence in matters arising under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, Animal Act 1971, Animal Welfare Act 2006, Dogs Act 1871, and the Control of Dogs Act 2010 (Scotland), and other animal related legislation. He also supports civil proceedings including personal injury claims involving dog bites or attacks, as well as cases heard within the family court.

Daniel provides expert witness assessments throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. Each assessment includes an in person examination of the dog, review of all associated evidence, and a detailed written report compliant with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules or other regional directions. 

Assessment of whether a dog conforms to prohibited breed types under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, specifically whether the dog substantially conforms to the XL Bully type.

A behavioural assessment can consider a number of relevant factors:

• Analysis of bite incidents and evalution of potential causes and contributing factors.

• Evaluation of the level of risk a dog may pose to owners, other animals, and public safety.

• Assessment of the suitability of a dog’s home environment.

• Recommendations regarding proportionate and practical risk management strategies.

• Assessment of animal welfare and recommendations to ensure the dog’s needs are met in accordance with current welfare standards.

Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), MSc, CDBC is an experienced animal behaviourist and expert witness in canine behaviour. His expertise is frequently sought by solicitors and local authorities in cases under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (Sections 1 & 3), as well as family court cases where dog behaviour is a relevant factor.  Daniel is a member of the UK Register of Expert Witnesses and has had evidence accepted in behaviour assessments in cases of dogs seized under section 1 and section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 as well as cases in the family court and other civil matters such as personal injury claims.

Daniel has run a behaviour practice in the South East of England since 2019 before moving to Scotland in 2026. His work focuses on dogs with serious behavioural issues, including aggression, trauma, and fear-related conditions. He also conducts expert assessments for foster and adoption agencies, ensuring that dogs are suitable for environments with children. In addition to his professional practice, Daniel is a member of the welfare team at Spirit of the Dog Rescue, where he assists with behavioural assessments, developing behaviour plans, and supporting the rehoming process for dogs in their care.

Daniel holds an MSc in Neuroscience from King’s College London and a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from London South Bank University. He is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) with the IAABC, a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), and a registered test user in human occupational, ability, and personality assessments. In 2018, Daniel Shaw completed a canine behaviour qualification with the Natural Animal Centre. Since then, he has obtained several well-recognised certifications in dog behaviour and training, including an Applied Ethology course with the Family Dog Mediation Centre, the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, and a Forensics of Aggression course. He also engages in continuous professional development (CPD) to further his expertise in dog behaviour and dog law.

Daniel is experienced in breed identification and has completed the Kennel Club Conformation & Movement Seminar and passed the Kennel Club Points of the Dog Assessment. In addition, he has further developed his understanding of canine conformation by completing the Canine Anatomy and Physiology Accredited Certificate with Canine Principles. In 2025, Daniel attended an American Bully dog show in Antwerp which included numerous show bred XL bully type dogs.  

Daniel is a leading educator in the field of dog behaviour and training, regularly presenting internationally at in-person and online conferences on topics related to canine behaviour, neurobiology, and training methodologies. He has been invited to speak at leading industry events, including the LEGS in Motion Conference, Trauma in Animals Conference, and the Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference, as well as delivering webinars and seminars for organisations such as the Aggressive Dog, APBC and Grisha Stewart Academy. In March 2023, Daniel presented to the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) in UK Parliament on the rise in dog bites, focusing on the role of neurobiology in bite behaviour.