Shaun is an experienced, qualified, and accredited Canine Clinical Behaviourist, a Dangerous Dog Specialist Consultant, and Expert Witness specialising in dangerous dogs and associated legislation.

He is a full member of the Canine & Feline Behaviour Association (CFBA) and a full member of the Expert Witness Institute (EWI).

Expert Witness duties extend to supporting both prosecution and defence counsel during civil proceedings, at criminal court, or coroners’ inquests following human fatalities.

Shaun is available to support Legal Counsel in any dog related matters that may fall under the auspices of the following dog related legislation:

Areas include: 

Animal Welfare Act 2006
Animal Act 1971
Antisocial Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997
Dogs Act 1871
Guard Dog Act 1975
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953

We support Legal Counsel by providing expert opinion or investigative support on the following:

Causation and expert behavioural hypothesis during the investigation of dog related human fatalities.

Dog behaviour observations and evaluations to identify whether a dog harbours a dangerous disposition or constitutes a danger to public safety (dangerous dog assessment).

Conformation assessments to identify ‘breed’ or ‘type’ (prohibited breed assessment).

Expert observation and analysis in cases where the welfare of a dog is alleged to have been compromised having been caused unnecessary suffering.

Expert observation and analysis in cases where dogs have been involved in accidents leading to personal injury claims.

Assessment of procedures, practices, and training of dogs employed in a professional context such as Police Dogs, Military Dogs, or, Security Dogs, following alleged breach of professional standards.

Consulting on any of the following matters: dogs, dog training, dog fighting, dog aggression, dog attacks, dog bites, dog disputes, dog seizure, dogs dangerously out of control, livestock worrying, dog control orders, contingent destruction orders, destruction orders, dog welfare.

As well as being a former service police dog handler and police dog kennel manager, Shaun is former criminal investigator and crime manager who is meticulous in the gathering and presentation of evidence.

Possessing industry leading qualifications in investigative interviewing and the investigation and reporting of serious crime, he is experienced in presenting detailed material to the court.

Such professional competencies are used to great effect in his role as an Expert Witness specialising in dangerous dog legislation and dog behaviour.