In the UK, owning a dangerous dog is a criminal offense. The Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced in 1991 to protect the public from dogs that are considered dangerous. The act bans certain breeds of dogs and makes it illegal to own, breed, sell, or give away a banned dog. In this blog post, we will discuss the top four dangerous dogs in the UK and the recent addition of the XL Bully to the banned list.
Table of Contents
The Dangerous Dogs Act
The Dangerous Dogs Act is a law that was introduced in 1991 to protect the public from dogs that are considered dangerous. The act bans certain breeds of dogs and makes it illegal to own, breed, sell, or give away a banned dog. The act also makes it illegal to allow a banned dog to be in a public place without being muzzled and on a lead.
The Top Four Dangerous Dogs in the UK
According to the Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (England and Wales) Order 2023, the following breeds are banned in the UK: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro . These breeds are considered to be the most dangerous dogs in the UK due to their size, strength, and temperament.
Pit Bull Terrier:
- This breed was originally bred for fighting and was used in blood sports like bull and bear baiting. These “sports” were made illegal in 1835, but dog fighting continued because it was harder to police. Pit Bulls are known for their strength and tenacity, which makes them a dangerous breed 1.
Japanese Tosa:
- This breed was also bred specifically for blood sports and came from Asia. Japanese rules meant dogs weren’t allowed to make any noise in the pit, so the Tosa is said to have been able to fight completely silently. This breed is also known for its strength and aggression 1.
Dogo Argentino:
- This breed was bred to hunt large animals like wild boar and puma. When it came to the UK, it became popular for dog fighting. Dogo Argentinos are known for their strength and tenacity, which makes them a dangerous breed 1.
Fila Brasileiro:
- This breed was also bred to hunt large animals like jaguars and wild boar. It was also used as a guard dog and for tracking. When it came to the UK, it became popular for dog fighting. Fila Brasileiros are known for their strength and aggression, which makes them a dangerous breed 1.
XL Bully
The XL Bully is a type of dog that appears to be bred for fighting or to have the characteristics of a type bred for that purpose. As of December 31, 2023, breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning, or allowing an XL Bully dog to go stray will be illegal in England and Wales.
From February 1, 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.
Banned dogs List
In the UK, it’s against the law to own certain types of dogs. These are the:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
It’s also against the law to:
- sell a banned dog
- abandon a banned dog
- give away a banned dog
- breed from a banned dog
Whether your dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than its breed or name.
For example, if your dog matches many of the characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier, it may be a banned type.
If you have a banned dog
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
- there has not been a complaint
The police may need permission from a court to do this.
If your dog is in:
- a public place, the police do not need a warrant
- a private place, the police must get a warrant
- a private place and the police have a warrant for something else (like 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
- kept in kennels while the police (or council) apply to a court
You’re not allowed to visit your dog while you wait for the court decision.
For More Info – https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/banned-dogs
Conclusion
In conclusion, owning a dangerous dog is a criminal offense in the UK. The Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced in 1991 to protect the public from dogs that are considered dangerous. The act bans certain breeds of dogs and makes it illegal to own, breed, sell, or give away a banned dog. The XL Bully is a type of dog that appears to be bred for fighting or to have the characteristics of a type bred for that purpose. As of December 31, 2023, breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning, or allowing an XL Bully dog to go stray will be illegal in England and Wales. From February 1, 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.