Why Are Certain Dogs Banned in the UK?

Why Are Certain Dogs Banned in the UK?

Certain dog breeds are banned in the UK because they’re considered a serious risk to public safety. The ban is based largely on appearance and perceived potential for aggression, not individual behaviour. The idea is to prevent serious injuries or attacks by restricting breeds that have historically been involved in violent incidents. However, critics argue the law focuses too much on looks rather than how dogs are raised, trained, or treated.

What Is the Dangerous Dogs Act?

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is the main piece of legislation that outlines which dogs are banned in the UK. It was introduced after a rise in high-profile dog attacks and was designed to give authorities power to control dogs that pose a threat to the public. The Act not only bans specific breeds but also allows for any dog to be deemed dangerous if it’s out of control or aggressive in public — regardless of breed.

The UK Law and What It Says About Dogs

Under UK law, the following breeds are banned: the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and as of 2024, the XL Bully. It’s illegal to own, breed, sell, give away, or abandon these dogs unless you have gone through a strict exemption process. The law doesn’t just cover purebreds — crossbreeds that share physical characteristics with banned breeds can also be included, making the law difficult to interpret and enforce in some cases.

What If I've Got One of the Banned Breeds?

If you already own a dog that falls under the banned list, you must apply for an exemption certificate. Your dog must be neutered, microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled in public, and kept in secure conditions at home. You’ll need to prove your dog is not a danger to the public and that you are a responsible owner. If you don’t take these steps, the dog can be seized and destroyed, even if it has never shown aggression.

Does the Ban Work?

This is highly debated. Supporters argue that it removes high-risk dogs from public spaces, reducing attacks. Critics say breed-specific legislation (BSL) doesn’t tackle the root cause of aggression — poor training, neglect, or abuse. Many believe the law unfairly targets certain breeds while ignoring the importance of owner responsibility. There is limited evidence that banning breeds has significantly reduced dog attacks, leading some experts to call for reform.

Controlling Your Dog in Public

Regardless of breed, the law requires all dogs to be under control in public. This means your dog shouldn’t scare or injure people or other animals. If your dog is dangerously out of control, even without biting, you can face a fine, a ban on dog ownership, or even imprisonment. In some cases, your dog may be destroyed if considered a risk. It’s your legal responsibility to ensure your dog behaves safely in public spaces.

Do I Have to Give Up Ownership If I Own a Banned Dog?

Not automatically. If your dog is a banned breed but is not aggressive and passes a court-approved behavioural assessment, you can apply to keep it legally under the exemption scheme. However, until the exemption is granted, authorities have the right to seize your dog. The process is stressful and time-sensitive, and you must comply with strict rules to keep your pet.

Can I Appeal to Keep My Banned Dog Breed?

Yes, there is a legal process that allows you to appeal if your dog is seized. You’ll need to prove that your dog is not a danger and that you're a responsible owner. This usually involves a behavioural assessment and possibly a court hearing. If the appeal is successful, your dog will be placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs, allowing you to keep them under strict conditions.

Do I Need a Certificate to Own a Banned Breed in the UK?

Yes, you need a Certificate of Exemption to legally own a banned breed. This certificate confirms that your dog has been assessed, neutered, insured, microchipped, and will be managed under strict guidelines. The certificate must be renewed as required, and failure to comply with any condition can result in your dog being seized or destroyed.

Can Banned Breeds Be Rehomed If Surrendered?

In most cases, banned breeds cannot be rehomed through shelters or rescues unless the new owner has an exemption certificate already in place. Many shelters are legally required to put down banned dogs that are surrendered, as they can’t legally pass them on. This is one of the most heartbreaking aspects of the law — even friendly, well-behaved dogs may be destroyed simply because of their appearance.

What Is the BSL Law?

BSL stands for Breed-Specific Legislation, the legal framework that targets particular breeds thought to be more dangerous. It exists in various forms across different countries, but in the UK, it’s primarily enforced through the Dangerous Dogs Act. BSL focuses on breed rather than individual behaviour, and it’s often criticised for being too broad, too rigid, and not supported by enough scientific evidence.

Can It Be Changed?

The law can be changed, but change is slow. There have been growing calls for a review or replacement of the Dangerous Dogs Act, especially from animal welfare groups, vets, and dog behaviour experts. Many argue for a shift in focus toward responsible ownership, training, and individual dog assessments rather than judging dogs by breed alone. Whether Parliament will revisit the legislation remains to be seen, but pressure for reform is steadily increasing.

What Specific Breeds Are Currently Banned in the UK?

As of 2024, the following breeds are banned under UK law:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• XL Bully (banned in England and Wales from 1st February 2024 and in Scotland from 23rd February 2024)

It’s important to note that it’s not just the breed name — a dog that shares physical characteristics with any of these types, even if it’s a crossbreed, could still be considered illegal under the law. This is known as a “type” ban rather than a breed registration ban.

What Is a Type Dog?

A “type dog” refers to any dog that looks physically similar to a banned breed, regardless of its genetics or name. For example, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross with certain traits might be identified as a Pit Bull type, even if it has a different lineage. Type identification is based on a checklist of features like head shape, body size, and muscle structure. This approach has been widely criticised for being too vague and inconsistent.

How Are Dogs Assessed Under the Law?

If your dog is suspected of being a banned breed, it may be seized by authorities and examined by a police-appointed dog legislation officer. This officer will assess your dog using a physical checklist to determine if it matches a banned "type". Even if the dog has no history of aggression, it can still be considered illegal based purely on appearance.

What Happens to Seized Dogs?

If a dog is seized, it is usually taken to a holding kennel while its case is reviewed. The owner might be required to attend court and provide evidence that the dog is not dangerous. If successful, the dog can be returned under strict conditions. If not, the dog may be destroyed — even if it has shown no signs of aggression. This process is stressful and can take weeks or months.

What Are the Conditions of the Exemption Scheme?

If your dog is exempted under the law, you must follow a strict set of conditions:

• The dog must be neutered
• It must be microchipped
• It must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public
• You must have third-party insurance
• You must keep the Certificate of Exemption and show it on request
• The dog must live at the registered address, and authorities must be informed of any changes

Failure to meet these rules can result in seizure, fines, and potential destruction of the dog.

What Are the Alternatives Being Proposed?

Many animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA and The Kennel Club, are campaigning for breed-neutral laws. They argue for a focus on responsible ownership, education, mandatory training, and individual behaviour assessments rather than banning dogs based on appearance. Proposals include:

• Stronger laws on dog breeding and sales
• Education on responsible dog ownership
• Behaviour-based legislation instead of breed bans
• More accessible behavioural support and training for owners

Summary

Certain dogs are banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act, based on perceived risk rather than individual behaviour. While some owners can keep their dogs legally through the exemption process, others face seizure and legal consequences. The law continues to raise serious questions about fairness, effectiveness, and animal welfare. If you own or are considering a dog that could fall under these rules, it’s vital to understand your responsibilities and rights.