Keeping dangerous dogs legally
If you are a responsible owner of a dangerous dog, an application can be made to the Courts to legally keep your dog. The Courts may agree, providing you agreed to abide by some strict rules, which include having your dog:
- neutered
- microchipped
- on a lead and muzzled at all times whilst out in public
- insured.
If you are successfully accepted onto the register, but are later found not abiding by one or all the restrictions, your dog could be seized.
If you own a banned breed which is not on the exemption register, you are breaking the law and the dog could be seized and you prosecuted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
The maximum penalty for illegal possession of a prohibited dog is a fine of £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
Page updated: 10 Sep 2010
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