Summary
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits certain types of dogs bred for fighting and creates offences relating to dogs that are dangerously out of control. It was enacted in response to a series of attacks and remains one of the most debated pieces of animal-related legislation.
Key Points
- Section 1 — prohibited types: pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo argentino, fila brasileiro (and XL Bully from 2024)
- Criminal offence to breed, sell, exchange, or advertise prohibited dogs
- Section 3 — offence for owner/person in charge if dog is dangerously out of control in any place
- Aggravated offence if dog injures a person — maximum 14 years' imprisonment if death results
- Courts may order destruction of dog or impose contingent destruction order with conditions
- Index of Exempted Dogs for registered prohibited-type dogs
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2014 — Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
Extended s.3 to cover private property and increased maximum sentences.