Here's a breakdown of the key aspects of the Act:
1. The "Dangerous Dogs"
The Act defines four types of dogs as "dangerous":
* Pit Bull Terrier: The original breed, not to be confused with other terrier breeds.
* Japanese Tosa: A large, powerful breed.
* Dogo Argentino: A large, white, muscular breed.
* Fila Brasileiro: A large, powerful breed known for its guarding instincts.
2. Prohibited Actions
* Owning a banned dog: It is illegal to own, sell, or breed any of the four types of banned dogs.
* Selling or breeding a banned dog: These actions are strictly forbidden and can lead to prosecution.
* Allowing a banned dog to be in public: Owners of banned dogs must ensure they are kept under control in public and cannot be allowed to roam freely.
3. "Dangerous Dogs" that are not banned
* Any dog that is "dangerously out of control": This applies to any breed of dog that attacks a person or another animal in a public place or private property.
* Any dog that is "dangerously out of control" in private property, but the attack is witnessed by a person not in the same household as the dog's owner: This covers incidents where a dog attacks a person or another animal on private property, but a witness outside the household sees the attack.
4. The Offences and Consequences:
* Owning or breeding a banned dog: Can result in imprisonment of up to 5 years and/or an unlimited fine.
* Being in charge of a banned dog: Can lead to imprisonment of up to 2 years and/or an unlimited fine.
* Allowing a banned dog to be in public: Can result in a fine of up to £2,500.
* Dog being "dangerously out of control": Can result in imprisonment of up to 6 months and/or an unlimited fine.
5. Exceptions:
* Working dogs: The Act allows certain exceptions for dogs used for specific purposes, such as police dogs or assistance dogs.
* Dogs imported for breeding: There are limited exceptions for importing dogs for breeding purposes, but these require strict regulations and permits.
6. The Role of the Police and Courts:
* The police have the power to seize any dog they believe to be a banned dog or a dog that is "dangerously out of control."
* The court can order a dog to be destroyed if it is deemed dangerous.
7. Ownership Responsibility
* The Dangerous Dogs Act highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership.
* Dog owners are expected to take appropriate measures to control their dogs and prevent them from harming others.
Important Notes:
* The law is complex and has been subject to interpretation over the years.
* If you have any questions about the Dangerous Dogs Act, it is best to consult with a legal professional or a qualified dog behavior expert.
It's worth noting that the Dangerous Dogs Act has been criticized for focusing on breed rather than individual behavior. There is a growing movement advocating for a more holistic approach to dog ownership and responsible dog behavior regardless of breed.