One super-stupid piece of legislation in the UK is the Dangerous Dogs Act (which was rushed through in 1991, and has not reduced dog attacks at all).
To label dogs as ‘dangerous’ due only to looks (there are no DNA or behavioural checks) means innocent dogs are put to sleep, leaving ‘dangerous dogs’ to not receive the help and training (and often new guardians) that they need.
Dogs presently on the ‘UK banned’ list include:
- Pitbull terriers (the above image is of a rescued pit bull, who did nothing but kiss everyone, until she died of old age)
- Japanese toas
- Dogo Argentino dogs
- Fila Brasilerio dogs
- American XL Bully dogs (added 2023)
What’s more important is preventing irresponsible dog breeding and adoption, positive dog training and finding stray/lost pets (microchipping and neutering/spaying are also important).
The media has had a frenzy whipping up hatred and fear, yet all the major pet welfare charities want changes to the law:
Classing a dog as illegal based on looks alone, means that half the puppies in a litter of crossbreeds could be illegal, the other half legal. Blue Cross
Adding more breeds to the banned list, will not protect the public. We support calls to replace Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act, with an evidence-based approach. PDSA
The law needs to be urgently reformed. Adding more dogs to the Dangerous Dogs Act will only see history repeating itself. RSPCA
Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (who have trained experts by referral to help aggressive dogs) writes that the Dangerous Dogs Act actually applies to all breeds. In that human guardians must not let their dogs go out of control, including attacking sheep.
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep dogs and barnyard friends safe, and read more on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
Even a dog that jumps up at someone or barks at a child can be ‘deemed dangerous’. Some dogs may bite simply because they feel ill, and sometime touches a sore spot.
It’s far more complicated than the Dangerous Dogs Act makes out. This dog law company has full info on the legislation and common questions. Proving dogs are not dangerous can often be helped by recruiting expert witnesses.
Sometimes dogs are ‘spared’, if guardians can prove that dogs are neutered, microchipped, insured (and kept it in secure conditions to prevent escape). Obviously dogs still need walks, but these must be in secure places (or within a secure garden at home).
Are Staffies on the Dangerous Dogs List?
No, though you would think so due to media bias. Staffies actually used to be ‘family pets’ back in Victorian times (a bit like Labrador retrievers are today).
But due to often being ‘adopted’ by irresponsible guardians, they have had a reputation developed by the media, that they are not safe. Which has led to this breed filling up animal shelters nationwide.
All dog breeds can attack. From loyal ‘guard dog’ types (like Dobermans, Rottweilers and German shepherds) to ‘cute’ dogs like Great Danes, boxers, Dalmations and Chow Chows).
How to Prevent ‘Dangerous Dogs’
- Dogs not bred for profit is a good start. Shelter dogs that are adopted are nearly always neutered or spayed (this prevents roaming the streets looking for mates, which can lead to fights).
- Positive dog training is key to preventing dog bites. Nearly all attacks on humans are from dogs that have not been properly socialised properly (chained or not spending most time within a family environment).
- Never go straight up to a dog in the park, you’ll spook it. Ask permission first, then crouch down to their level, and sit diagonally, allowing dogs to come to you.
- We’ve all seen youngsters who when scared of dogs, let out a bloodcurdling scream, and are comforted by parents. Who instead should be teaching them never to freak a dog out, by doing this.
- If your dog likes to attack posties, keep them in a secure room while the post arrives. Or use a Use a secure outdoor letterbox or affix a letterbox tray to your door, so posties don’t have to ‘post their fingers’.
