In 1991, the United Kingdom passed the Dangerous Dog Act in response to a series of unprovoked attacks on humans by certain breeds of dogs. This legislation banned the ownership of Pitbull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogs Argentino, and Fila Brasileiros. The law applied to both breeding and owning these breeds. However, an amended version of the legislation in 1997 allowed for banned breeds to be exempt if they passed a behavioral assessment.
It’s important to note that the Dangerous Dog Act is based on the appearance of the dog rather than its breed or name. This means that if a dog has similar characteristics to a Pitbull Terrier, it may be classified as a banned breed, even if it’s not actually a Pitbull Terrier.
The 1991 legislation was designed to target breeds that were originally bred for fighting, and therefore were deemed more likely to cause harm to humans. Between 1981 and 1991, there were 15 fatal attacks in England and Wales, which prompted the government to take action.
Although some breeds, like Pitbull Terriers, are banned in the UK, there are other breeds that are classified as Pitbull types but are not included in the ban. The American Bully, for example, has been called a “natural extension” of the American Pitbull Terrier, but it’s legal to own in the UK.
The effectiveness of breed-specific legislation has been a controversial topic, with some countries revising or abandoning similar laws. Some people have suggested that instead of focusing on banning certain breeds, more attention should be paid to socialization and training. Others believe that irresponsible owners and generations of breeding for aggressive behavior are the root of the problem.
If someone is found to be in possession of a banned breed in the UK, the police or local council dog warden have the power to take the dog away, even if there hasn’t been a complaint or the dog isn’t acting dangerously. The police or council dog expert will then assess the dog to determine whether it’s a banned breed and whether it poses a danger to the public. If the dog is found to be a banned breed, the owner may face fines or imprisonment, and the dog may be destroyed.
However, if the court determines that the banned breed is not a danger to the public, the dog can be put on the Index of Exempt Dogs, and the owner can keep it. The owner must meet certain requirements, such as keeping the dog in a secure place, on a lead and muzzled in public, and microchipped. They must also take out insurance against the dog injuring other people and show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a council dog warden or police officer.
In conclusion, Pitbulls are among the four breeds banned in the UK, but there can be exceptions to this rule. The Dangerous Dog Act is intended to protect the public from breeds that have been bred for fighting and are deemed more likely to cause harm. However, experts debate the effectiveness of this legislation, with some believing that socialization and training are more effective in preventing dog attacks. Ultimately, dog owners must be responsible and ensure their dogs are trained and socialized to prevent harm to the public.
