What is a dangerous dog?
The dangerous dog types are:
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo
- Argentino
- Fila Braziliero
These dogs are dangerous because they
were originally bred for their ability
to fight. Some common Pit Bull type
names are: Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull
Type, American Staffordshire, Irish
Staff, Irish Blue Staffordshire.
These dangerous dogs are prohibited
under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).
Do the Dangerous Dogs Act(s) only
apply to these types of dangerous dogs?
No, the law also gives protection to the public from any type of
dog, which is
dangerously out of control in a public
place, or in a private place where it has
no right to be.
Who has responsibility to respond to
a dangerous dog?
If there is a dog of any type that is
dangerously out of control in a public place,
the Police have the responsibility to
respond and take action where appropriate. Complaints regarding
dangerous breeds are also the responsibility of the Police.
However, the control of stray dogs is the responsibility of the
Council.
In addition to dangerous dogs, the
Police also have the responsibility for:
- Reports of lost & stolen dogs (lost dogs to
be recorded as lost property)
- Dogs involved with road traffic accidents
- Dogs relating to persons being detained
- Dogs left by the death of their owner
- Dogs involved with the scene of a crime
What should I do if I think I have a
dangerous dog?
If an owner has a dog that they believe to be a prohibited type
under the
Dangerous Dog Act, such as a pit bull,
they should contact their local Police
who can assess the dog and provide
advice.
What should I do if I suspect that a
relative, friend, colleague or neighbour owns an illegal dog?
If you suspect that someone owns an illegal dog you should
contact Lancashire Constabulary. Alternatively, if you want to
remain anonymous, please
contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers is a charity
independent to the Police. You won’t
be asked your name or personal details.
Who will decide if a dog is
illegal?
The Police has access to resources that can identify illegal
dogs.
What happens to illegal dogs once it
has been seized?
The court will decide if the dog is to be destroyed or to put
strict restrictions on
the owner and place the dog on an
exempted list. This list is called the ‘Index of Exempted Dogs’,
which is managed by the Department for Environment
Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
What are these strict
restrictions?
Any dog on the index list must be
neutered, tattooed and micro-chipped. It
must be kept on a lead and muzzled
when in a public place. The owner must
maintain insurance against the dog
injuring anybody and the dog cannot be
left in possession or control of
anybody under the age of 16.
What happens to an owner of a
dangerous dog?
If an owner has a banned dog they are
breaking the law and liable to prosecution. The court will
decide what sentence to impose and whether the dog should
be put on the exempted list or destroyed. The maximum penalty
for illegal possession of a prohibited dog is a fine of £5,000
and/or 6 months imprisonment.
More information on dangerous and
aggressive dogs can be found on the DEFRA
(external link) website.
Contact us
For more information on any aspect of the Dog Control Service,
contact Phil Williams, Dog Warden or Philippa Sandells, Dog
Control Enforcement Officer
Tel: 01695 577177
Online: using the
Environmental Health online form