The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is the primary legislation governing dangerous dogs in England and Wales. It is the most significant piece of dog law in the UK, and misunderstanding it can lead to criminal prosecution, unlimited fines, and the destruction of your dog. This guide covers the current law as of March 2026, including the new Livestock Act and the forthcoming Amendment Bill.
Section 1 — Banned Breed Types
It is illegal to own, breed, sell, or give away the following dog types without specific exemption:
| Breed Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Pit Bull Terrier | Banned since 1991 |
| Japanese Tosa | Banned since 1991 |
| Dogo Argentino | Banned since 1991 |
| Fila Brasileiro | Banned since 1991 |
| American XL Bully | Banned since October 2023 |
Important: Identification is based on “type” — physical characteristics — not necessarily breed registration. If a dog matches the physical description of a banned type, it can be seized regardless of what the owner claims the breed is.
Section 3 — “Dangerously Out of Control”
This applies to all dogs, all breeds. A dog is “dangerously out of control” if:
- It injures a person, OR
- There are reasonable grounds for a person to feel that it might injure them
- This includes situations where a dog has not bitten — barking aggressively, chasing, jumping up, or cornering someone can all constitute “dangerous” behaviour under the Act
- If a dog attacks an assistance dog (guide dog, hearing dog, etc.), this is treated as a serious aggravated offence
Consequences
- Your dog may be seized by police
- Unlimited fine and/or up to 14 years in prison if your dog causes death or serious injury
- Your dog may be destroyed by court order
- You may be banned from owning dogs
- This applies in public AND on private property including your own home (since 2014 amendment)
NEW: Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act — March 2026
Effective 18 March 2026 in England and Wales:
- Expanded definition of “livestock” — now includes alpacas, llamas, and other farmed animals
- It is an offence for a dog to attack, chase, stalk, or frighten livestock — stress alone now constitutes harm
- Applies on farmland, public footpaths, and roads where livestock are present
- Unlimited fines (previously capped at £1,000)
- Police have enhanced powers to seize dogs and enter premises with warrant
- Defence available if your dog was taken without consent (e.g., stolen)
2025 Amendment Bill — Under Review
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (Amendment) Bill 2025 is currently in parliamentary review. If passed, it would require:
- Public consultation before any future breed type is added to the banned list
- A data-driven review of fatalities from that breed type over the preceding 3 years
- This aims to make future breed bans more evidence-based rather than reactive to media pressure
FAQs
My dog growled at someone in a park — can I be prosecuted?
Technically, yes — if the person felt reasonably frightened. In practice, prosecutions are rare for isolated incidents where no injury occurred. However, the law is clear: you are responsible for your dog’s behaviour at all times. A dog that repeatedly behaves in a threatening manner towards people, even without biting, puts you at legal risk. The practical advice: ensure your dog is well-socialised, under control, and if there is any doubt about their behaviour around strangers, keep them on a lead and muzzle them. Prevention is far easier than defending a court case.