The Kennel Club acts as the secretariat for the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG), 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 acts as the secretariat for the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group (DDASG), a wide-ranging group representing animal welfare, local authorities and veterinary professional organisations. The Kennel Club and DDASG have had considerable input to a carefully considered new ‘Dog Control Bill’ put forward by Lord Redesdale, currently progressing through 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

To find out more about the activities of the DDASG, click here to View the DDASG Briefing Paper

View the Kennel Club’s issue statement on dangerous dogs

Read the Kennel Club's arguments against breed specific legislation

What can I do?

• Click here to sign the DDASG 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.

Useful links

• 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

Kennel Club press releases relating to dangerous dogs

• Tough New Bill to Replace ‘Failed’ Dangerous Dogs Act
• New Bill Could Reduce Dangerous Dog Attacks
• Defra Dangerous Dogs Act guidance is not the answer says the Kennel Club
• The Kennel Club Response to disgraceful Merseyside ‘Dangerous Dog Amnesty’
• The Kennel Club Proposes Alternative to Dangerous Dog Amnesties
• The Kennel Club Calls for an Alternative to Easington Council’s Dog Amnesty
• The Kennel Club calls for an alternative to dog amnesty
• Ellie Lawrenson statement

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