daniel shaw - dog behaviour expert witness

Expert Witness in Canine Behaviour for Legal Cases Across the UK

Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), MSc, CDBC is an experienced expert witness in canine behaviour, providing independent behavioural and breed type assessments for legal cases across the UK.

Based near Edinburgh, Daniel accepts instructions nationwide and is regularly instructed in cases involving dangerous dog legislation, animal welfare law, and civil proceedings including personal injury claims.

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

All reports are compliant with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules in England and Wales.

BEHAVIOUR ASSESSMENT FOR DOGS INVOLVED IN LEGAL CASES

Daniel provides expert behavioural assessments for dogs involved in legal proceedings, with a particular focus on aggressive behaviour and risk to public safety.

His work is informed by current research and contemporary scientific understanding of canine behaviour, ensuring that reports are evidence-based, clearly reasoned, and relevant to legal decision-making.

Reports will typically consider the following:

• Assessment of risks the dog poses of displaying aggressive behaviour towards the owners, other dogs and animals, and the general public.

• Assessment of the suitability of the dog's environment and recommendations regarding safe management practices.

• Assessment of animal welfare and recommendations regarding appropriate management and training interventions required to meet an animal's welfare needs.

BREED TYPE IDENTIFICATION - XL BULLY TYPE

Daniel is one of the few UK experts with experience in breed type identification and provides expert opinion in cases requiring type assessment under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

This includes detailed evaluations of whether a dog exhibits substantial characteristics of the XL Bully type. Assessments are based on recognised conformation standards and supported by practical experience with bull breed types.

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

Daniel can accept instructions from the CPS, COPFS, and solicitors throughout the UK, including cases funded by the Legal Aid Agency.

For a quotation or to arrange a free 15-minute call to provide intial advice and discuss suitability and scope of instruction, please get in touch:

Email: daniel@dogbehaviourspecialist.co.uk
Telephone: +44 7496 312905

About daniel

DANIEL SHAW BSC (HONS), MSC, CDBC

Daniel is an animal behaviourist and expert witness specialising in canine behaviour. Daniel is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, and previously ran a behaviour practice in the South East of England from 2019.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at daniel@dogbehaviourspecialist.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 carries out in-person assessments across the UK, 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 the case background and disclosure, an in-person assessment of the dog, a home assessment, and a detailed written report. The report considers behaviour, risk, environment, and management, and provides clear, practical recommendations where appropriate.

How do I know if my dog is a banned breed in the UK?

In UK law, banned dogs are defined by “type” rather than breed. This means a dog does not need to be a specific pedigree breed to fall under the legislation. Instead, it may be considered a prohibited type if it has physical characteristics that substantially conform to those of banned dogs under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 such as the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, or XL Bully.

If there is uncertainty, an independent expert assessment may be required. This involves a detailed evaluation of the dog’s conformation and physical characteristics to determine whether it meets the criteria of a prohibited type.

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 characteristics of the XL Bully type.

What is Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991?

Section 3 covers situations where a dog is alleged to have been dangerously out of control. In these cases, a behavioural assessment can help to understand what happened, why the incident may have occurred, and what level of risk the dog may pose.

How much does an assessment cost?

Costs vary depending on the nature of the case, location, and scope of work. 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 usual requirements.

How long does it take to receive a report?

Timescales depend on the complexity of the case and availability of information, but these will be clearly outlined at the point of instruction.