The Dangerous Dogs Act

In 1991 the UK adopted and put into effect the Dangerous Dogs Act to prohibit people from owning a dog that may present a serious danger to the public. In the United States, no general comparative act exists nationwide, yet individual states have laws similiar to the UK law.

  1. Breeds Identified

    • The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, chapter 65, states that dogs bred for fighting--the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa and other breeds as determined by the courts--are subject to this act.

    For Current Owners

    • The Dangerous Dogs Act specifies that an owner of a potentially dangerous dog must sterilize the dog. The act also states that when the dog owner has the dog in a public area, the animal must be muzzled and on a leash.

    Violations of the Dangerous Dogs Act

    • If an owner of a dangerous dog is found in violation of this law, the consequences are usually the destruction of the dog and a fine to the court.

    Adaptation of Dangerous Dogs

    • While there is no U.S. Dangerous Dogs Act implemented, many states have an ordinance in place in dealing with dangerous dogs. These laws commonly ban or restrict the intentional breeding of certain breeds, including pit bulls, german shepards, akitas, dobermans and chow chows.

    Federal Welfare Act

    • A related act, the Federal Welfare Act, regulates breeders, kennels and brokers. This law is set to protect animals from the sale to pet stores and to discourage the establishment of puppy mills.