Question and Answer - Q651

Question

What type of dogs are illegal to own?

Answer

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, it is illegal to own/sell/breed/give away/exchange dogs of the following type,

• Pit bull terrier type
• Japanese Tosa type
• Dogo Argentino type
• Fila Braziliero type
• any other type of dog appearing to be or to have characteristics of the above type bred for fighting.

If it is alleged that a dog is of a type which is prohibited it is presumed to be the case until the owner proves to the contrary. The owner can do this at his/her own expense.

Related questions

• What action can be taken with regards to a dangerous dog?
• What should I do if I suspect my neighbour has an illegal type of dog?
• Can I have some information on how I can become a dog handler/ trainer in the police?
• Can the police do anything about people who let their dogs foul on the pavement?
• Do the police do any courses for dog owners?
• Does my dog have to wear a collar with my name and address on it?
• I am a postman/milkman/charity collector etc and when I was delivering to a house a dog bit me when I was in their garden, what action can I take?
• I am concerned that a neighbour is being cruel to his dog, what can I do?
• I have found a dog, what do I do?
• I have knocked over an animal, do I have to report it?
• I have lost my dog, what do I do?
• I want to offer a dog to the police service, what breed/age of dogs do you accept?
• My dog is really afraid of fireworks, do you have any advice?
• My pet has been attacked by a dog can the police do anything?
• My school is doing a project on police dogs, can we have a visit?
• The dog next door is always barking, what can I do?
• There is a dog in a vehicle that appears hot and distressed, what should I do?
• There is a dog that lives down the street and the owner has let it out without a lead and it has bitten me, what can I do?
• There is a stray dog that is hanging around my neighbourhood, what should I do?
• What happens if my pet dog bites an intruder in my house?