Dr. Helen Howell Dog Behaviour Expert

02/04/2026

I am pleased to share our latest research paper looking at the opinion of professionals around factors that influence the likelihood of human directed dog aggression. This was a really valuable study that supplemented our systematic review of the scientific literature and highlighted areas that would benefit from future research. Only by developing an in-depth understanding of factors that may increase risk will we be able to develop effective risk assessment processes and dog bite prevention strategies. Thank you to all the professionals working with dogs who took part in this study.
The paper can be found here-

01/04/2026

This week I attended the Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference in beautiful Torquay. It was really heartwarming to spend time with so many people who genuinely want to make things better for pets and their people. Lots of amazing speakers and great to catch up with good friends.

17/03/2026

I had a lovely afternoon at the University of Lincoln today talking to the MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour students about expert witness work and my PhD. Hoping to inspire some of them to become the expert witnesses of the future!

06/03/2026

09/02/2026

❌ Consultation ends in just 4 days ❌

Defra is asking pet owners, vets, rescue groups, and animal lovers to share their views on an important issue:

👉 Should vets be legally required to scan microchips before euthanasia?

Scanning a microchip can alert a Rescue Back Up Contact and confirm keeper information before a life is tragically and unnecessarily lost.

This could make a real difference especially to rescues and pet owners who have been unable to gain access to their pets medical records due to GDPR (which does not legally apply to an animals data but is consistently inappropriately used) and to those rescues and owners who have not been able to obtain justice through the RCVS complaint system.

How you can help 👇

🐾 Share your views on and complete the official survey on the Defra Citizen Space portal 👇

https://consult.defra.gov.uk/pet-travel-and-traceability/scanning-microchips-prior-to-euthanasia/

📧 Email Defra directly and send your thoughts to:

[email protected]

⏰ Deadline: 10 February 2026

Defra wants to know whether current professional guidance is enough or if stronger laws are needed to better protect pets and the people who love them.

Whether you’re a pet parent, a rescue volunteer, or simply someone who cares about animal welfare, your feedback can help shape the future of microchipping laws in England.

You do not need to complete every section of the consultation. If parts do not apply to you, you can skip them and focus on the areas that matter most to your experience.

Let’s work together to keep pets safe 💕🐾

23/01/2026

Bronson’s owner wrote this emotional song after Bronson was seized. It is so lovely to see them reunited. Welcome home Bronson! 🐾🐾

09/01/2026

We ask the Government to reform the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 by removing breed-specific legislation and replacing it with behaviour-based laws. We think legislation should focus on responsible ownership, training, and education to improve public safety without unfairly targeting certain dog breeds.

09/01/2026

It's Published! Finally after 3 months. Let's get these signatures!

​I can’t stress enough how big this is. This is for every single dog owner in Scotland, England, and Wales. Not just prohibited breeds!

We are fighting to make sure no owner or dog has to go through what so many of you have faced. We need to move fast to get the signatures required for a debate.

​I need your help to build our case. I am looking for anyone who has signed over their dog under pressure, fear, or confusion. If you felt coerced or didn’t fully understand what you were signing at the time, please email me. Your story is safe with me, and it will be handled with total confidence. No judgment just a desire to fix a broken system.

Even if you didn't sign your dog over were you pressured into it?

Email [email protected]

Petition link
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/747580

25/11/2025

Please share this far and wide to help the Don’t Ban Me -Licence Me group.

21/11/2025

If you were convicted of owning a banned breed (XL Bully only) during 1st February 2024 to 30th May 2024 please get in touch as soon as possible.

0161 233 4321 or [email protected] or [email protected]

19/11/2025

This is Loki. Today he has been returned home following him being seized in March this year under quite unbelievable circumstances.
Loki’s owner was having some personal difficulties at the time and had reached out for help at a drop in centre. Police attended to check on his welfare as concerns for him had been raised. One of the officers attending was clearly fearful of Loki, despite Loki behaving in a calm and friendly manner. The officer alleged that Loki growled and lunged at him and his colleague supported this in a witness statement. There was body worn footage of the alleged incident that did not show any aggression or lunging at the officer. What it did show was Loki sniffing the officer inquisitively. Loki was on the lead and under control at all times.
There was also an independent witness present but the police did not take a statement from them.
Loki was seized as the officer stated that Loki had been dangerously out of control. Loki’s owner was charged and Loki kept in kennels. Loki’s owner sought legal advice from Tuckers solicitors who immediately raised concerns regarding Loki being kept in kennels. They tracked down the independent witness who provided a statement which confirmed that Loki had been in no way aggressive or out of control. I was instructed by Tuckers to assess Loki and his owner, and it was clear that Loki is a friendly and affectionate dog. This was supported by reports from kennel staff of his lovely nature. Tuckers used all this information to highlight the disproportionate approach taken by the police in this matter and the police dropped the case yesterday. Today Loki returned home to his dedicated owner who has missed him terribly. This was an appalling case of an abuse of power following an officer acting on his own fears and beliefs rather than any actual dangerous behaviour by Loki. Well done Tuckers Fur Justice for persevering and ensuring Loki’s release. Welcome home lovely boy!