Unlawful Dogs
Section 1 Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
It is a criminal offence to possess certain types of dog and the most common of these is the dog of the type known as the pit bull terrier. The only way such dogs can be lawfully kept is if they are registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs, but the only way such dogs can go on the Register is by Court order. There is no provision for a keeper to make an application to a Court themselves.
Cases are nowadays very rare. The Police have the power to seize a dog which they believe is an unlawful type and at Court the burden of proof is on the owner to prove that it is not unlawful or that there is good reason why the dog was not registered.
Section 1 Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
It is a criminal offence to possess certain wild animals unless you have a licence granted by a local authority. A wolf crossed with a dog would be an example of such an animal.
If you have received a summons under either of these Acts please do not ignore it. If you have concerns about unlawful types of dog, you may wish to telephone us for advice on 0906 515 1108. Click here for information about the cost of the call and the hours of operation.
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