Since the Dangerous Dog Act of 1991, which criminalized ownership of certain breeds, four dog breeds have been banned from the UK. The act gives the Police the power to intervene if they suspect a dog of being dangerous.
After a spike in attacks resulting in serious injuries or deaths, the Dangerous Dog Act of 1991 was passed. The act is divided into sections. Section 1 prohibits ownership of certain dogs, unless they are exempted. This is meant to be a preventative measure. A court can bring charges based on a dog’s physical appearance. In section 3, it is illegal to let a dog out of control, or behave in a dangerous manner in a public area. If a dog injures a person, legal action can be taken by the owner or person responsible for the dog.
The UK and other countries have banned these dogs because they share the same traits, such as strength and size. The government bans dog breeds to stop illegal activities such as fighting dogs and to stop attacks on people. In 1991, the ban was implemented after a number of serious dog attacks.
What four dogs were banned in 1991?
Pit Bull Terrier: These dogs were created in the 19 thcentury from a Bulldog and a Terrier for hunting, capturing, and restraint of feral livestock. Pit Bulls were used to fight because of their strength and body. They were also treated badly to instill an aggressive attitude. Metro News reports that the dogs are banned from many countries, including Australia, France Israel, Hong Kong and several states in America.
Japanese Tosa: The Tosa is a powerful, heavy and agile dog that was developed in the 1800s by breeding the breed with other dogs such as Mastiff and Bulldog. They were bred to be fighting dogs in the mid-19 th century and were banned from the UK, despite the fact that a few were still in the country.
Dogo Argentino – Developed in Argentina during the 1920s to be a working breed. The Independent reports this dog was developed for pack-hunting, big-game hunting, and was derived from several dog breeds, including an old Cordoba fighting dog, the Viejo Perro de Pelea Cordobes. This dog was almost extinct at the point. The breed was banned from the UK because they were imported for illegal dogfighting.
Purina says that Fila Brasileiro is also known as Brazilian Mastiff and is known for its loyalty in Brazil. This dog was originally used to catch prey, and then hold it until the hunter arrived. It is intelligent and strong. The breed was also prohibited as a precautionary measure because of the dog imported illegally for dog fighting.
Rishi Sunak, the UK’s Minister of Justice announced plans to ban American Bully XLs on September 15, 2023. The UK government has set out requirements and restrictions for breeders and owners to follow. It will be illegal to sell, breed, or rehome a XL Bully after 31st December 2023. In England and Wales, it will become illegal to own XL Bullies after 1 February 2024 unless the dog is in possession of a valid Certificate Of Exemption. You could face a fine of up to $6,000 or 6 months imprisonment if you’re caught with a dog that is banned without a certificate of exemption. The dog in your possession will be removed and if you do not have a valid certificate, the dog will be destroyed.
Owners must adhere to certain legal requirements in order to ensure their dogs’ safety.
What is the next step?
- Before 31 January 2024, you can apply for a Certificate of Exemption.
- You will be charged PS92.40 per dog.
- Get third-party liability insurance.
- Make sure that the dog has been neutered by a veterinarian and that the vet confirms this by completing and returning the correct form to Defra.
- In 2016, the UK made it mandatory to microchip your dog with current information.
- Start muzzle training for your dogs. It will soon be mandatory that XL Bullies wear a muzzle in public places and on a lead. Muzzle training is a crucial part of dog training for organisations such as RSPCA, Dog’s Trust, Blue Cross and Battersea. Muzzles can make dogs feel safer, as well as keeping people safe. All the organisations listed above provide free and useful information about how to muzzle-train your dog. If you still have questions, ask your veterinarian for help.
- Socialise your dog safely in a safe environment. It is important to socialise your dogs if they have not done so already. This will help them not be agitated or stressed when they encounter new situations, whether it’s in the park or at home.
- Make sure that the area where you keep your dog is safe. There should be no gaps or broken fence panels. This will prevent them from escaping and becoming lost.
- The owner of the banned dog must have a minimum age of 16 and be able provide proof of insurance as well as the certificate of exclusion on the same day or within five days after being asked by a police officer or the Council dog Warden.
It is illegal to breed. If the dogs have already given birth, it is not illegal to bring the puppies to term. It is illegal to sell or rehome these puppies after the 31st December. The government has given a nine-week grace period before the ban is implemented. This allows puppies that were bred prior to this legislation being introduced to be sold legally. The puppies can now be adopted at 8 weeks of age.
The XL dog is the first to be banned in the UK since 1991 due to an increase in attacks. According to the Guardian, at least three out of seven attacks reported this year have been linked to XL dogs. The Royal Kennel Club does not recognise the breed, so it is impossible to know how many XL bullies are in the UK. Bully Watch, an organization that campaigned to ban the breed, stated that it accounted for less than 1 percent of all dogs owned in the UK.
Data from the Metropolitan Police from 2015-16, 25 years after DDA was implemented, shows that pit bull terriers are responsible for 19% dog attacks in London. Legislation will reduce but not eliminate this breed completely. Many are concerned that a new one will be introduced within the next few years.