Dangerous and Aggressive Dogs

It is against the law to own the certain types of dogs. These are:

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Braziliero

It’s also against the law to:

  • Sell a banned dog
  • Abandon a banned dog
  • Give away a banned dog
  • Breed from a banned dog

XL Bully dog ban

Following a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities caused by XL Bully dogs, the government has added this breed to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. 

From 31 December 2023 it will be against the law to: 

  • Sell an XL Bully dog 
  • Abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray 
  • Give away an XL Bully dog 
  • Breed from an XL Bully dog 
  • Have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle. 

From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless your dog has a Certificate of Exemption.  

For more information about the XL Bully Ban, including the official definition of an XL Bully dog and what to do if you want to keep your dog, visit the central government website: 

What XL Bully dog owners, vets and rehoming centres need to do to prepare for the ban

The Council are not responsible to determine the breed or take any control or collection of a banned breed dog.  

If you suspect a dog to be a banned breed call the police on 101.

Aggressive/Vicious dogs

Aggressive dogs are those that behave in an threatening manner, including

  • Biting
  • Attacking other animals
  • Attacking people

If you see a dog attacking a person or other animal call the police on 999.

Dog attack reports on a person must always be reported to the police on 101. Dog attacks on another dog can be reported to us.

Report a dog attack

After you report a dog

Once an aggressive dog has been reported to us, our dog wardens will investigate.

Where we can identify the owners they could be ordered to do any or all of the following, especially if the offender is already known to us. Examples of these requirements can include:

  • Attend dog training classes
  • Muzzle the dog or require it to be on a lead in public
  • Require the dog to be neutered
  • Repair fencing to prevent the dog leaving the property
  • Limit the number of dogs to walked in a public area
  • Fines and imprisonment

It’s against the law to let a dog be out of control anywhere. This includes both public and private property.

Any dog owner that refuses to control their dog risks the following sentences:

  • Up to 14 years for a fatal dog attack
  • 5 years for injury
  • 3 years for an attack on an assistance dog
  • A fine up to £20,000