Control of dogs, the law and you

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

Dogs out of control in a public place

If a dog is dangerously out of control in a public place or injures any person while out of control, then
its owner is guilty of an aggravated offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

A dog can be regarded as being dangerously out of control on any occasion where it causes fear or
apprehension to a person that it may injure them. Furthermore, if that dog does injure a person then the offence is aggravated. Legal action may be taken against the owner and/or the person in
charge of the dog at the time.

A person found guilty of an offence may face imprisonment or a fine, and the courts may
disqualify the offender from having custody of a dog for any period.

Breeding and trading of dangerous dogs

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans the ownership, breeding, sale and exchange, and advertising for sale of the following ‘types’ of fighting dogs:

* pit bull terriers
* the Japanese Tosa
* the Dogo Argentino
* the Fila Brasileiro

Booklet: Control of dogs, the law and you

More reading:

Defra – http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/dangerous/

Government Legislation – http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/contents