The Kennel Club is campaigning for the overhaul of existing dangerous dogs legislation.

The issue of dangerous dogs and protecting the public has posed a problem for legislators for many years. 

Under section 2 of the 1871 Dogs Act, a dog may be reported to the police or a Magistrate’s court for acting dangerously and/or out of control. If the court concurs, an order can be made for the dog to be kept by the owner under proper control, or destroyed. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1989 extended the powers available to a court on a complaint under this legislation, together with additional rights of appeal and enhanced penalties.

More recently the implementation of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 has had a significant effect on the welfare of some dogs by banning specific breeds:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Braziliero

This Act has led to thousands of dogs every year kept in kennels for many years or euthanased simply because of their breed or type. Furthermore, the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997 removed the mandatory destruction order provisions on banned breeds and re-opened the Index of Exempted Dogs for dogs.

Click here to read the Kennel Club’s advice on dangerous dog amnesties, court proceedings and general information for Bull Terrier owners

The Kennel Club’s response
The Kennel Club believes that existing breed specific legislation fails to protect the public and must be overhauled to place greater responsibility on dog owners and remove the huge welfare implications affecting dogs deemed to be of a certain type. 

The Kennel Club had considerable input to a carefully considered ‘Dog Control Bill’ put forward by Lord Redesdale, in the House of Lords. Lord Redesdale’s Bill embodies the principle of ‘deed not breed’ and opposes breed specific legislation. It also covers private property and looks to introduce ‘dog control notices’ as a means of preventing dog attacks.

Click here to download the Kennel Club’s briefing on our campaign to change ‘dangerous dog’ legislation

Click here to find out about joint working between leading animal charities, the veterinary profession and trade unions to put pressure on Government to overhaul dog laws

View the Kennel Club’s issue statement on dangerous dogs

Read the Kennel Club's arguments against breed specific legislation

Kennel Club response document to government proposals on dog control, tackling dangerous dogs and irresponsible dog ownership

How to get involved:

• Click here to sign the petition for fairer and more effective dangerous dog legislation
• Write to your MP regarding dangerous dogs. Use the Kennel Club’s suggested form of wording to help you with your letter.

For more handy tips check out the Kennel Club’s guide to letter writing or the Kennel Club’s guide to a successful meeting with Parliamentary Representatives

How to contact your Parliamentary Representative:

• Find your MP - Write to: Name of MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
• Find your MSP - Write to: Name of MSP, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP
• Find your AM  - Write to: Name of AM, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF99 1NA
• Find your MLA - Write to: Name of MLA, Parliamentary Buildings, Belfast, BT4 3XX
• Find your MEP - Write to: Name of MEP, Rue Wiertz, 1047 Brussels, Belgium

Useful links

• Kennel Club response document to government proposals on dog control, tackling dangerous dogs and irresponsible dog ownership
• Parliamentary contacts
• www.doglaw.co.uk
• www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/dangerous/index.htm
• www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1991/Ukpga_19910065_en_1.htm
• Download a car sticker
• Kennel Club response to Defra package of measures

Kennel Club press releases relating to dangerous dogs

• Kennel Club statement on Welsh Government dog control proposals
• Kennel Club applauds microchipping consultation but rues missed opportunity to better protect public
• Organisations and MPs unite in dog law plea
• Need for responsible dog ownership stronger than ever
• Dangerous Dog law heading in right direction
• Success as Dog Control Bill passes report stage in House of Lords
• Dog Control Bill leads the way in the Lords on Friday
• "You're barking up the wrong tree" says Kennel Club about Deputy Mayor's Petition
• Kennel Club Delighted With Lords Dog Control Bill Success
• The People's Dog Control Bill Pushes On To Committee Stage To Improve 'Dangerous Dog' Legislation For Good
• Voice Of The People Finally Heard As Dog Control Bill Successfully Passes Committee Stage
• ‘Dangerous Dogs Act Has Failed Britain’s Dogs’ Says Kennel Club
• Kennel Club Calls For Expertise In Identifying So-Called 'Dangerous' Dogs

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