It is against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, such as:
- in a public place
- in a private place, for example, a neighbour’s house or garden
- in the owner’s home
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.
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. After a series of dog attacks in 1991, then Home Secretary Kenneth Baker promised "to rid the country of the menace of these fighting dogs". The Act has been controversial for failing to stem the rise of dog attacks and for focusing on a dog's breed or looks instead of an individual dog's behaviour. It was further amended in 1997 and applies in England, Wales and Scotland.
On 15 September 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that XL Bully would be added to the Dangerous Dogs Act. It was designated on 31 December 2023 for England and Wales, and in Scotland on 23 February 2024.
The Act applies to five types of dogs:
Dangerous Dogs and Safeguarding Children in the SCSP Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedure Manual
3.3.1 Dangerous Dogs and Safeguarding Children
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
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (legislation.gov.uk)
XL Bully conformation standard - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)