RISHI Sunak has announced that the American XL bully dog is to be banned in the UK by the end of the year.
It comes following a series of attacks with the PM explaining they will be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act after there is a clear definition of the breed.
Here’s all you need to know.
What is the Dangerous Dog Act?
The legislation was first introduced in 1991 and is breed specific, meaning people are not allowed to own or breed the dogs listed.
If a dog is added to the list, it means it is illegal for anyone in the UK to own, breed or sell them.
Which dogs in the UK are banned?
The legislation currently lists four breeds which are not allowed in the UK. These include:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
What happens if you are caught with a banned dog?
Anyone found with a banned dog can have it taken away by the police or local authority, even if it is not acting dangerously.
The UK Government website states if your dog is in a public place when spotted by police, then a warrant is not needed to take it away.
However, should it be found in a private place then they must have a warrant.
If taken by police, the local authority will determine whether “it is or could be a danger to the public” at which point it will either be released back to you or kept in kennels.
From there, it is “your responsibility” to prove that your dog is not a banned type.
The website states: "If you prove this, the court will order the dog to be returned to you. If you cannot prove it (or you plead guilty), you'll be convicted of a crime. You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to 6 months (or both) for having a banned dog against the law. Your dog will also be destroyed."
Your dog must be neutered, microchipped, kept in a secure place where it can’t escape and kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.
You would also be required to take out insurance against your dog injuring people and show your Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or council dog warden, either at the time or within five days.
