Dangerous Dogs
In an emergency dial 999
Only use 999 if there is:
- serious risk of injury;
- risk of serious damage to property;
- a crime in progress.
Dangerous dogs are dogs that injure people,
dogs that are dangerously out of control in a public place, dogs
that are believed to be a serious danger to the public or a
prohibited named breed.
There are four types of dogs that are banned in the UK, the:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Braziliero
None of these dogs are recognised by the government as breeds in
the UK. It is illegal to breed from, sell, abandon or give away a
banned dog.
Pit Bull types can be called:
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- Irish Staffordshire Terriers
- Irish Blue or Red Nose
Some kinds of American Bulldogs have been found to be Pit Bull
types.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not listed in the Dangerous Dogs
Act 1991. You are allowed to own this breed of dog.
The police are the proper people in the majority of cases to
start proceedings in the magistrates court. The magistrates may
make an order without proof that anyone has been injured. The
control order may specify the means of control, namely muzzling,
keeping on a lead, exclusion from named places or any other
measures of control.(including neutering) A destruction order may
also be made, but usually a control order will be made first.
To speak to police on any issues around dangerous dogs please
call Cumbria Constabulary’s Dogs Unit on 0845 33 00
247.