The topic of dangerous dogs is one which strikes fear in the hearts of many particularly after a recent spate of attacks.
Certain types have the potential to cause fatal injuries should they be untrained and left to act on what was bred into them. When the Dangerous Dogs Act came into force in 1991 four breeds were banned: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.
Pit Bulls are the breed most commonly associated with attacks in the UK. Earlier this week a 75-year-old woman from Blackburn was left with life-changing injuries after her neighbour David Gorton's dog Kia attacked her in his garden. Mr Gorton insists Kia has previously been tested and is not a Pit Bull although police later described his two dogs as Pit Bull-types.
READ MORE: Owner of dog which left Blackburn pensioner with life-changing injuries had to 'prise animal's teeth apart'
If you have a banned dog the police or local council dog warden can take it away and keep it, even if it isn't acting dangerously or there hasn't been a complaint. If your dog is in a public place the police do not need a warrant, if it's in a private place the police must get a warrant and if it's in a private place and the police have a warrant for something else, such as a drugs search, they can seize your dog.
A police or council dog expert will judge what type of dog you have and whether it is, or could be, a danger to the public. Your dog will then either be released or kept in kennels while an application is made to a court. You're not allowed to visit your dog while you wait for the court decision.
If your dog is banned but the court thinks it’s not a danger to the public, it may put it on the Index of Exempted Dogs. This allows you to keep your pet but you must abide by several conditions including taking out insurance against your dog injuring other people, having it neutered and microchipped, keeping it on a lead and muzzle in public and keeping it in a secure place.
It is against the law to sell, abandon, give away or breed from a banned dog. Government guidance states that, whether your dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than its breed or name.
If your dog matches many of the characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier, it may be a banned type. This means a dog could simply be put down should it look a certain way.
If you believe someone near you owns a banned breed you can report it to your local council's dog warden. If the council believes it could be a banned breed they can apply for a court order to seize and assess the dog.
New data has revealed an increase in children under the age of 15 having to attend hospital for dog-related injuries between April 2021 and March 2022. Up 7.5 per cent to 1,516, this is the second highest figure since records began in 2007.
The four banned breeds
Pit Bull Terrier
In 1991, the UK government decided to ban pit bulls in response to a slew of incidents involving vicious, often unprovoked attacks, by this particular breed of dog, on humans. There were 15 fatal dog attacks in England and Wales between 1981 and 1991. Though there is no concrete scientific evidence that these dogs are more aggressive or dangerous than any other breed, they have been favoured as pets by criminals, many of whom train them as attack dogs.
Japanese Tosa
Originally bred in Tosa, Shikoku, as a fighting dog the Tosa is the only breed still used in Japanese dog fighting. As well as being banned in the UK the breed is banned in Australia, Denmark, Israel and Turkey among others.
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a large, white, muscular breed of dog that was developed in Argentina primarily for the purpose of big-game hunting, including wild boar. The breeder, Antonio Nores Martínez, also wanted a dog that would exhibit steadfast bravery and willingly protect its human companion.
Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro, or Brazilian Mastiff, is a large working breed of dog developed in Brazil. It is known for its superb tracking ability, aggressiveness and an unforgiving, impetuous temperament. Rather than attacking its prey, the Fila traps it and waits for the hunter to arrive.
Story Saved
You can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
FAQs
What happens when your dog's breed is banned in the UK? On the Government website it says if you have a banned dog, the police or local council dog warden can take it away and keep it, even if it is not acting dangerously or there has not been a complaint.
What happens if you own a banned dog in the UK? ›
You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to 6 months (or both) for having a banned dog against the law. Your dog will also be destroyed. If your dog is banned but the court thinks it's not a danger to the public, the court may put your dog on the Index of Exempt dogs and let you keep it.
What dog are you not allowed in the UK? ›
What dogs are illegal in the UK? There are currently four illegal dogs in the UK. Those are Pit Bull terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro.
What happens to pitbulls in the UK? ›
In 1991, the UK government decided to ban pit bulls in response to a slew of incidents involving vicious, often unprovoked attacks, by this particular breed of dog, on humans. They were originally illegally bred to be fighting dogs, taking part in sports such as bear baiting and dog fighting.
What is the new dog law in the UK? ›
From the start of 2024, XL Bully dogs must be muzzled and remain on a lead in public. It will also be illegal to breed, sell, exchange or abandon them. From February 1, it will also be a criminal offence to be in possession of an XL bully in England and Wales unless you have applied for an exemption.
What if I already own an XL Bully? ›
If you do not have a Certificate of Exemption
It's against the law to keep an XL Bully dog without a Certificate of Exemption. If you think you have an XL Bully dog and you have not applied for a Certificate of Exemption, you should contact your local police force. Read more about banned dogs.
How do I legally own a dog UK? ›
Contact your local council to apply for a licence or to check if you need one. You must get the licence before you get the animal. You don't need a licence for most common domestic pets.
Can I own a cane corso in the UK? ›
Will the American Bulldog or the Cane Corso be added to the ban list? As of this moment in time, no. This breed may share some common ancestors way back when, but the American Bulldog is a different breed entirely from the XL Bully.
Is it illegal to own a Pit Bull cross in the UK? ›
Pit Bull crosses exist in more of a grey area. Breeding Pit Bulls is illegal, and if a cross does not have the physical characteristics of a Pit Bull, it is unlikely to be seized by police or other officials.
Are American bulldogs banned in the UK for sale? ›
Has the American bulldog breed been banned in the UK? Following the Government announcement on the 15th of September, the American bulldog breed is not banned. However, a related breed called the American XL Bully is currently in the process of being banned in the UK. This is likely to happen before the end of 2023.
How does the American XL bully ban work in England and Wales? Ownership of American bully XL dogs is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Since 31 December 2023, it has been against the law to sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL bully.
What countries ban XL Bully? ›
The United Kingdom and Wales are not the only countries who have this ban on Xl bullies. Scotland announced on January 18, 2024 that they will be replicating the same laws the UK and Wales put into place. Other countries have also followed in suit, these countries include Norway, Malta, and Cyprus.
Can you move to England with a pitbull? ›
The UK does not allow the importation or ownership of the following dog breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino or Fila Brasileiro.
What happens when a dog breed is banned UK? ›
Ownership of these breeds is restricted, and it's illegal to breed, sell, abandon, or give away a banned dog. However, if a dog believed to be a banned breed meets strict criteria, it can be placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs and allowed to remain with its owner.
How many dogs can you legally own in the UK? ›
There is no statutory maximum number of dogs that you may have, as it will depend on the size of your home and the size of the dogs, but many Council's use 6 as their 'rule of thumb' maximum.
What dogs have to be muzzled in the UK in 2024? ›
Newly banned in 2023 - XL Bully
It also became illegal to abandon an XL Bully or allow one to stray. All XL Bully's, when in public places, must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle. On 1 February 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a Certificate of Exemption.
Can I keep an abandoned dog UK? ›
Keeping a stray dog
You must return a stray dog to its owner if you know who the owner is. Otherwise you must contact your local council. Tell the council you want to keep the dog. If the council cannot find the owner you may be allowed to keep it.
Is it legal to ban pets UK? ›
What does the tenancy agreement say? The tenancy agreement (contract) might say pets aren't allowed. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 prohibits “unfair terms” in a contract. This means a blanket ban on keeping pets in a tenancy agreement might be struck out if challenged in court.
Is it illegal to have a protection dog in the UK? ›
It is legal to own a guard dog, as long as you follow these rules: >> There must be a clear notice of warning that there is a guard dog on the premises. This notice must be clearly displayed at all entrances and fences, just to ensure you're completely covered in the event of an incident. >>
Are American Bullies banned in the UK? ›
Since 23 February, American XL bullies have to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public. It is illegal to abandon, rehome, sell, buy, or transfer ownership of an XL bully. Anyone who breaks the rules risks up to six months in prison and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
