Dog Safety and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is an act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom prohibiting or restricting certain types of dogs and codifying the criminal offence of allowing a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control.

Section 1 Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (the 1991 Act) creates two offences. One concerns the possession or custody of specified dogs bred for fighting: section 1(3). The second concerns breeding, selling and other acts concerning dogs bred for fighting: section 1(2).

Specified dogs

The dogs concerned are:

The Pit Bull Terrier,
The Japanese Tosa,
The Dogo Argentino,
The Fila Brasileiro,
The XL Bully dog,

The effect of the 2023 order relating to XL Bully dogs is:

As of 31 December 2023 it became illegal in respect of an XL Bully dog to

(1) breed, or breed from it

(2) sell or exchange it or advertise or expose it for such a purpose

(3) give it as a gift or advertise or expose it for such a purpose

(4) allow it to be in a public place without it being muzzled or on a lead or

(5) abandon it or allow it to stray.

As of 1 February 2024 it became illegal to possess or have custody of an XL Bully dog under section 1(3) of the 1991 Act, unless there is a valid certificate of exemption in place combined with compliance with the conditions specified in the certificate: see The Dangerous Dogs (Compensation and Exemption Schemes) (England and Wales) Order 2023

Exemption Order sets out what a certificate of exemption must include, including the need for the dog to be muzzled when in a public place, in addition requirement for insurance, neutering and microchipping.

In relation to XL Bully dogs, prosecutors may have regard to the published guide for identification: Official definition of XL Bully dog.

Section 3 (1) Dangerous Dogs Act, If a dog is dangerously out of control in any place

(a)the owner; and

(b)if different, the person for the time being in charge of the dog,

is guilty of an offence,

Or, if the dog while so out of control injures any person or assistance dog, an aggravated offence, under this subsection.

The law applies to all dogs.

You must make sure your dog is fitted with a microchip and registered on a database by the time it is 8 weeks old.

Dog Safety Code: Be alert, be aware, be safe.

Dangerous Dogs and Safeguarding Children in the SCSP Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedure Manual

3.3.1 Dangerous Dogs and Safeguarding Children

National Guidance on Dogs

Controlling your dog in public: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Use the link to find out further information regarding:

Banned dogs
To report a dog
If the council has your missing dog
To report a stray dog
To get information on having your pet microchipped

Code of practice for the welfare of dogs

Seizure of Stray Dogs

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (legislation.gov.uk)

XL Bully conformation standard - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Further National Animal Information

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 - what is it? | Blue Cross

American XL Bullies - RSPCA - rspca.org.uk

Useful resources for keeping children safe around any dogs

Dog Safety – CFSG

Dogs Trust Poster - How to be safe around dogs

Dogs Trust Poster - Dog body language

Dogs Trust Poster - How to greet a dog

Being Safe Around Dogs Animation- Child Friendly

Pet Education Partnership - Keeping Children Safe Around Dogs - England/Wales Event

PDSA Canine Communication

If you have further concerns regarding a dog you believe to be a banned breed, or to report a dog that is out of control, please contact South Yorkshire police