‘Dangerous dogs’ are dominating headlines after a spate of attacks that have left pensioners and a ten-year-old girl dead.
XL Bullies have been banned since February 1, 2024 following a rise in fatal and serious incidents across the UK.
People who already owned the breed when the ban came into effect were allowed to keep them as long as they had applied for a certificate of exemption by January 31, 2024.
The dogs must also be neutered, kept in a secure place where they can’t escape, muzzled and kept on a lead in public. Owners must be 16 or older and have third-party public liability insurance cover.
It is illegal to breed, buy, sell, adopt, rehome or abandon the breed.
While XL Bullies have made headlines recently, another dog breed has caused concern following an alleged rise in popularity: the cane corso, which is bred as a guard dog and not subject to a ban.
Here’s everything you need to know about the five banned breeds.
Which dog breeds are banned in the UK?
There were 15 fatal dog attacks in England and Wales alone between 1981 and 1991 – so in 1991 the government banned four breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
On February 1 this year, the XL Bully became the fifth breed to be banned.
Banned breeds are managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
XL Bully
The XL Bully is a type of bulldog.
It was developed by breeding several dogs, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bulldog and English Bulldog.
The US Kennel Club – which recognises the breed – says that ‘aggression is characteristic of this breed.’
It is thought the breed – of which there are four sizes; standard, pocket, classic, and XL – first appeared in the UK around 2014 or 2015 and numbers have since grown rapidly.
Pit Bull Terrier
The UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 outlawed the possession and breeding of pit bulls.
They were originally illegally bred as fighting dogs.
Japanese Tosa
Although it is forbidden in the UK and many other nations, the Japanese Tosa is nevertheless bred in Japan to participate in dog fighting.
In accordance with Japanese dog-fighting regulations, this breed is expected to be able to battle in total silence.
Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino was developed for boldness and protective qualities as well as for big-game hunting.
Due to these behavioural characteristics, the Dogo Argentino was outlawed in the UK.
Fila Brasileiro
A huge mastiff-like breed called the Fila Brasileiro was initially raised to chase down fugitive slaves from plantations.
Despite the fact that they are fiercely devoted and protective, these dogs have a reputation for being hostile to both people and other animals.
Can the police seize a banned dog?
The police or local council dog warden can take a dog – even if it isn’t acting dangerously and there hasn’t been a complaint.
They don’t need a warrant in a public place.
What is the penalty for owning a banned dog?
If an owner can’t prove to the court that their dog isn’t a banned type, or doesn’t have an exemption certificate they can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months (or both).
The dog will also be put down.
Why do I still see Pit Bulls in the street?
It’s possible the dog has an exemption certificate.
If a court decides the dog is not a danger to the public, owners can keep it and it can be added to the exempt list – but it has to be neutered, microchipped, kept in a secure place and on a lead with a muzzle in public.
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