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What is the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991?

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans or restricts certain types of dogs and makes it an offence to allow a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control.

It was introduced 30 years ago by Home Secretary Kenneth Baker 'to rid the country of the menace of these fighting dogs' after a string of attacks.

Which dogs are banned in the UK?

It is illegal to own four breeds of dogs without an exemption from a court. They are:

The law also criminalises cross-breeds of the above four types of dog - meaning that whether a dog is prohibited will depend on a judgement about its physical characteristics, and whether they match the description of a prohibited 'type'.

What happens if there's a dog attack?

You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months if your dog is dangerously out of control. 

You may not be allowed to own a dog in the future and your dog may be destroyed.

If you let your dog injure someone you can be sent to prison for up to five years or fined. If you deliberately use your dog to injure someone you could be charged with 'malicious wounding'.

And if you allow your dog to kill someone you can be sent to prison for up to 14 years or get an unlimited fine. 

Why

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