New rules taking effect from Sunday, November 1 will affect thousands of UK households that own banned dog breeds. Under the changes, owners in England and Wales will be prohibited from leaving children under the age of 12 in close contact with a banned dog in a private place without adult supervision.
The restrictions apply to private spaces such as homes and gardens, meaning a responsible adult must be present whenever a child under 12 is in close contact with a banned type of dog. The rules cover the five types of dogs prohibited under UK law: Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros and XL Bullies.
Exemptions and Enforcement
It is reported that an estimated 3,499 banned dog breeds live legally in British homes under court-approved exemption schemes. The change forms part of the rules surrounding banned dogs, which owners must follow to avoid enforcement action.
The government has advised that anyone who owns one of these dogs should familiarise themselves with the updated requirements before they come into effect. The law applies even to dog owners who legally hold a Certificate of Exemption for their pet. Owners are advised to use physical barriers like closed doors, stair gates, or crates that completely block children and dogs from touching or reaching each other.
Penalties and Context
Breaking the rule can lead to enforcement action, potential prosecution under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and the seizure of the dog. Owners could also face penalties, including a six-month prison sentence or fines of up to £5,000.
The XL Bully has become synonymous with dog attacks in the UK. Ownership is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and since 1 February 2024 it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate. However, statistics show that overall dog attacks causing injury have increased from 29,400 to 32,000 cases annually since the ban was implemented.
Recent Fatal Attack Case
Earlier this year, the ECHO reported on one of these cases. Great-grandad John McColl was killed after being attacked by Sean Garner's "family pet" Toretto, who police had to shoot 10 times in order to bring under control. It came after the seemingly "confused" OAP mistakenly entered the "irresponsible" owner's driveway on his way home from the pub. Neighbours used a brush, a golf club and a spirit level as improvised weapons in an attempt to stave off the attack, but to no avail as the banned breed "guarded" the elderly victim "as if he were its prey or food".
Garner, of Dinaro Close in Belle Vale, was unanimously found guilty of causing his death by being the owner of a dangerously out of control dog following a trial over the incident at his then home on Bardsley Avenue in Warrington. Garner, 31 at the time, was handed 12 years behind bars.
