Risk Assessments and Expert Witness Services
This is not a training service and does not include any form of training support. The sole purpose of this service is to assess risk, provide an independent expert opinion, and prepare a formal written report suitable for court related matters.
Scope of Service
When instructed, any assessment will focus on:
- Incident review, including bite analysis and prognosis
- Kennel response, if the dog has been seized and housed in kennels
- The dogs temperament: Conducting an in person assessment of the dog in question, and collectively assessing different components of the case to determine whether the dog presents a risk.
- Owner suitability: Assessing either the owner, or proposed owner of the dog, to gain insight into whether they are capable of caring for, and controlling said dog.
- Home suitability: Assessing whether the owners living arrangements are conducive to caring for their dog, in a safe and suitable manner.
Assessments may be conducted at the owners home, assessment venues, or at alternative locations across the UK, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Following assessment, a detailed written report is prepared. The report is structured to assist in matters relating to:
- Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 proceedings: Section 1 prohibited type determinations (behavioural considerations are relevant): Section 3 matters (incident review, behavioural assessment, prognosis).
- The Animal Welfare Act 2006
- Risk assessment for housing, or adoption agencies
- Social service investigations
Craig has been instructed on over 500 occasions nationwide in this capacity.
Please note: Court attendance can be arranged if separately instructed, notice is required.
Background
Craig Richardson has worked as a professional dog handler, trainer, dog behaviourist and dangerous dogs assessor for over 22 years.
His specialist fields are dangerous dogs, prohibited dogs breed conformation, dog behaviour and the welfare of dogs.
He has worked as a professional dog trainer and behaviourist at West Lancs Canine Centre since 2004. He has been the sole proprietor at West Lancs Canine Centre since 2010.
He has developed his understanding of dog behaviour, dealing with training and many behaviour modification cases over the years. In 2013 Craig was accepted as a full member of The Canine and Feline Behaviour Association.
Craig is an acknowledged Expert Witness and has provided his independent opinion in matters concerning:
- Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
- Animal Welfare Act 2006
- Other, civil related matters on many occasions
Professional affiliations and accreditations include:
- Member – British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers
- Full Dog Behaviour Practitioner Member – Canine & Feline Behaviour Association
- NASDU Approved Instructor
- BIPDT Security Division Approved Instructor
Craig specialises in dangerous dogs assessments, behavioural risk analysis, breed type conformation (where applicable), and public safety considerations.
For enquiries, please email: canine.expertwitness@gmail.com
