Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to prohibit persons from having in their possession or custody dogs belonging to types bred for fighting; to impose restrictions in respect of such dogs pending the coming into force of the prohibition; to enable restrictions to be imposed in relation to other types of dog which present a serious danger to the public; to make further provision for securing that dogs are kept under proper control; and for connected purposes. |
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| Citation | 1991 c. 65 |
| Territorial extent | England and Wales, Scotland but Section 8 Extents To Northern Ireland |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 25 July 1991 |
| Commencement | 30 November 1991 (Section 3(1)) 12 August 1991 |
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Status: Amended
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| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
| Text of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk | |
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is a special law made by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. This law stops people from owning certain types of dogs. It also makes it a crime if any dog is dangerously out of control.
This Act was created after several serious dog attacks in 1991. The person in charge of home affairs, Home Secretary Kenneth Baker, wanted to stop these dangerous dogs. The Act has been debated because some people think it hasn't stopped dog attacks. Others believe it focuses too much on a dog's breed or looks, instead of how a dog actually behaves.
What is the Dangerous Dogs Act?
The Dangerous Dogs Act was first put into law in 1991. It was later updated in 1997. This law applies in England, Wales, and Scotland. There is a similar law for Northern Ireland. The main goal of the Act is to keep people safe from dangerous dogs. Before this law, there were no specific rules about what would happen if a dog hurt someone.
Here's a quick look at what the main parts of the Act do:
- Section 1: This part of the law bans owning certain types of dogs. These are dogs that were originally bred for fighting. You can only own them if they are on a special list called the Index of Exempt Dogs. This section aims to prevent problems before they happen.
- Section 3: This section makes it a crime if any dog, no matter its breed, is dangerously out of control. If this happens, the dog's owner can face legal action.
- Section 4: This part of the law talks about what happens to dogs that are found to be dangerous. It can lead to orders for a dog to be put down. It can also stop owners from having dogs for a certain time.
Britain has a long history of laws about dogs to keep people safe. A very old law from the ninth century said dog owners had to pay a fine if their dog bit someone. In the 1800s, there were rules about dogs running loose in London. Owners were responsible if their dog attacked someone or another animal. In 1847, it became a crime to let a dangerous dog run free. The power to take away dangerous dogs was added in 1871. The 1991 Act was a big step. It banned four types of dogs and made it a crime for any dog to be "dangerously out of control."
Section 1: Banned Dog Types
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, it is against the law to own certain types of dogs. You can only own them if a court gives you special permission. The Act also makes it illegal to breed, sell, or trade these dogs. This is true even if the dog is on the special list of allowed dogs.
The Act specifically names four types of dogs:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
The first two types, Pit Bull Terriers and Japanese Tosas, are directly named in the law. The other two, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasileiros, were added later in 1991.
The law also covers dogs that are a mix of these four types. Dogs are not just banned by their breed name. Instead, they are judged by their physical features. This means a police officer, called a Dog Legislation Officer (DLO), will look at the dog. They decide if the dog's looks match the description of a banned "type." These officers are experts in dog handling and dog laws.
The Index of Exempted Dogs
If you own a dog that falls under Section 1, you might be able to keep it. You have to prove to a court that your dog is not a danger to the public. You also need to show that you are a responsible owner.
To get your dog on the Index of Exempted Dogs, you must meet several conditions:
- Your dog must be neutered (cannot have puppies).
- Your dog must have a microchip for identification.
- You must have special insurance that covers any harm your dog might cause.
Once a dog is on the Index, there are ongoing rules. You must keep the dog at the address you listed. You need to tell the authorities if you move. You also have to report if the dog dies or leaves the country. In public places, the dog must always wear a muzzle and be on a lead. You must also make sure your dog cannot escape from your home. These rules must be followed for the dog's entire life.
The Index of Exempted Dogs was set up by the Act. The Animal Welfare section of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) manages this list.
When the law first started, dogs born before November 30, 1991, could be put on the Index. Over 8,000 applications were made, and 5,223 dogs received a special Certificate of Exemption. It was thought that the Index would end when these dogs passed away. However, changes in 1997 allowed more dogs to be added. This means the Index continues today. In 2018, there were 3,514 Pit Bull Terriers on the Index. There were also 3 Japanese Tosas and 13 Dogo Argentinos.
