For one reason or another, some breeds of dogs are banned in different parts of the world. In the United Kingdom, not many dogs are on this list. However, a few of them are. It’s important to be aware of the laws governing banned breeds as you do not want to put yourself and an animal in an unfortunate situation. If you’re found to have a banned, the dog could, very sadly, be put to death by the government.
The Banned Breeds
Gov.uk’s article, “Controlling your dog in public,” provides numerous details about this banned breed situation. First of all, it lists the breeds banned in the United Kingdom as the Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino and the Fila Braziliero. In addition to it being illegal to own these types of dogs in the country, it’s also illegal to sell, breed from, abandon or give away one of these breeds, according to the site.
Must-Know Facts about Banning
“Controlling your dog in public” goes on to provide some more interesting facts about dog banning in the UK. Many might think that breeds are banned based on genetic testing and on what type of dog they actually are. However, this is not true. In the UK at least, dogs are banned based upon what they look like. Therefore, if you have a mixed breed who is born from a Japanese Tosa mother and a Golden Retriever father, but who bears the characteristics of his or her mother, then the dog could be banned on looks alone. It’s so important to take these considerations into play.
The police are also basically able to take your dog at anytime if the breed is banned, and this includes in both public and private places. In a public space, no warrant is needed while the opposite is true in a private area. Furthermore, if the police have a warrant for a different issue and see the banned breed there, they can take him or her (“Controlling your dog in public).
The Consequences
Losing your precious pup is extremely sad and something that no owner ever wants to face. Once the dog is brought before a judge, the judge will determine whether or not the dog is a danger to the public. Even if it is determined that he or she could be or is, you can still arrange a court date. Owners should fight for their dogs because, as the site states, if the owner just surrenders the dog, he or she will likely be destroyed. This unfortunate and sad fate will happen to the dog if the court battle is lost by the owner; therefore, the person must at least try. In addition to the poor animal being destroyed, the individual will also have to pay a fine and/or serve jail time. During those crucial court moments, the owner must be able to prove that the dog is not on the banned list or is an exception to the rule.
Exceptions to the Rule
A little bit of light and hope exists in this painful situation. This government site notes that a Certificate of Exemption can be granted for certain dogs, even if they are on the banned list. Dogs who are granted this exemption must be neutered or spayed, tattooed, microchipped, muzzled and “kept on a lead” and “kept in a secure place.” The owners will also be required to be over 16 years of age, have insurance against the dog harming individuals, produce the Certificate of Exemption to the appropriate authorities as noted on the site and make the noted authorities aware if their addresses change. Failure to comply will lead to the dog’s destruction.Owning a banned breed in the United Kingdom has some serious and major consequences. If you want to have a banned breed, you must obtain the Certificate of Exemption first in order to avoid your dog being destroyed.