THE DANGEROUS DOGS BANNED IN THE UK AND WHAT THE LAW SAYS ABOUT THEM
Source: Wales Online (Extract)
Posted: April 14, 2022
The subject of dangerous dogs is, sadly, never far from the news. It may come as a surprise, however, that only four breeds are actually banned from being owned in the UK.
As well as being illegal to own one of the breeds, it’s also prohibited to sell, abandon, give away or breed such an animal. These are the four banned breeds and what the law says about them.
Fila Brasileiro
This breed was developed in Brazil as a large game hunting dog and is also known as the Brazilian Mastif. DogTime.com says: “This massive dog probably isn’t the best choice for novice pet parents or people who live in apartments, as the Fila Brasileiro needs firm, experienced training and a lot of space to run around.
“The breed is banned in several countries where these dogs are considered aggressive.”
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a pack-hunting dog, the American Kennel Club says. It was bred for the pursuit of big game including wild boar and puma. It “possesses the strength, intelligence and quick responsiveness of a serious athlete”.
As well as being banned in the UK, there are restrictions on ownership in other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Iceland and Norway.
Japanese Tosa
Japanese Tosa have a very high pain tolerance due to their fighting origins in Asia. Tosas were often referred to as the ‘Sumo wrestler of the dog world’.
Dog-fighting rules in the last century in Japan demanded that dogs fight silently, without cowering, and the Tosa fought by these rules—relentlessly and silently, Dog Breed Info reports.
Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bull Terriers were banned in 1991 following a series of incidents involving this breed. There were 15 fatal attacks in England and Wales from 1981 to 1991.
Pit Bulls were bred for fighting and had been used in blood sports such as bear and bull baiting. They were also used in dog fighting.
What the law says about banned dogs
If you have a banned dog, the police or local council dog warden can take it away and keep it, even if:
- it is not acting dangerously
- there has not been a complaint
The police may need permission from a court to do this.
If your dog is in:
- a public place, the police do not need a warrant
- a private place, the police must get a warrant
- a private place and the police have a warrant for something else (like a drugs search), they can seize your dog
