In the UK, some dog breeds are considered a risk to public safety and are therefore banned. The Pit Bull Terrier is one of these breeds, known for its powerful build and strong jaws.
The UK's Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 made it an offense to own, breed, or sell certain dog breeds, including the Pit Bull Terrier. This law was introduced after a number of high-profile attacks by Pit Bulls in the UK.
The breed's aggressive behavior is often linked to its history of being used for fighting. In the 19th century, Pit Bulls were used in bloodsports such as bull-baiting and dog-fighting.
The law applies to any dog that is deemed to be a Pit Bull Terrier, regardless of its appearance or ancestry.
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Banned Dog Breeds in the UK
The UK has a list of banned dog breeds that are prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. These breeds were originally bred for fighting and are deemed to be a danger to the public.
The four breeds currently banned in the UK are the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. These breeds have been identified as being more aggressive and responsible for more serious injuries to people than others.
Some common Pit Bull type names include Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire, Irish Staff, and Irish Blue Staffordshire. These dogs are prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).
The maximum penalty for illegal possession of a prohibited dog is a fine of £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment. This is a serious offense and can have severe consequences for dog owners.
Here are the four banned dog breeds in the UK:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
If you have one of these breeds, you could face confiscation by the police or council warden, even if your dog is well-behaved and there has not been a complaint.
UK Laws and Regulations
In the UK, certain breeds of dogs are banned due to their reputation for being aggressive and responsible for serious injuries to people. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits the ownership, breeding, sale, and exchange of these breeds.
The four breeds currently banned in the UK are the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. These breeds were originally bred for fighting and are considered to be a danger to the public.
If you're found to be owning one of these breeds, the police or council warden can take the dog away, even if it's well-behaved and there hasn't been a complaint. The dog will be kept in kennels while the council or police apply to a court to determine its fate.
Here are the banned breeds in the UK:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
Note that the American XL Bully is not yet banned in the UK, but the government has announced its intention to add it to the list of banned breeds by the end of 2023.
American XL Bully Legality
The American XL Bully is not yet illegal in the UK, but the government has announced plans to add it to the list of banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 by the end of 2023.
The UK government's intention to ban the American XL Bully was announced on September 15th, but they have provided limited information about their plans.
The American XL Bully is not a registered breed in the UK, which means there is no breed standard to define what it is.
The government's plans to ban the American XL Bully are part of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which was introduced in response to high-profile dog attacks in the 1990s.
The 31st of December 2023 is the date when Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 will be amended to include the American XL Bully.
If you own an American XL Bully in the UK, you need to be aware of the upcoming ban and take steps to prepare for it.
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The Dog Act 1991
The Dog Act 1991, also known as the Dangerous Dogs Act, was created by the government on July 25th, 1991. This act aims to reduce the number of dog attacks on people by prohibiting certain breeds.
The act has two main parts: Section 1 prohibits owning, breeding, selling, giving away, or abandoning certain breeds that were originally bred for fighting. Section 3 makes it a criminal offence for the owner or person in charge of any dog to allow the dog to be 'dangerously out of control'.
The original legislation ordered the mandatory destruction of dogs on the banned breed list, but this was amended in 1997 to allow for behavioural assessments and exemptions. A dog found guilty of looking like a banned breed can be exempted if it passes a behavioural assessment and agrees to adhere to strict rules.
These rules include neutering, microchipping, third-party insurance, and being muzzled and on a lead at all times in public. The owner must also be deemed a 'right and proper person' to look after the dog.
The following breeds are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act: Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Braziliero. These dogs are prohibited because they were originally bred for fighting.
Here are the characteristics of a Pitbull type dog:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- American Pit Bull
- American Staffordshire
- Irish Staff
- Irish Blue Staffordshire
The maximum penalty for illegal possession of a prohibited dog is a fine of £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
Sources
- If you own an XL BULLY here’s what you need to know to prepare (www.gov.uk)
- Dangerous Dogs Act (legislation.gov.uk)
- Dog Control Coalition (thekennelclub.org.uk)
- government's plans for American XL Bully (www.gov.uk)
- Banned Dogs (www.gov.uk)
- Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com)
- Top 10 Banned Dog Breeds (listverse.com)
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