Banned dogs

The law about banned dogs

In the UK, it’s against the law to own certain types of dog. These are the:

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

XL Bully dogs are banned in England and Wales.

It’s against the law to:

• sell a banned dog
• abandon a banned dog
• give away a banned dog
• breed from a banned dog

Whether your dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than it's breed or name.

It's against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere. Find out more about what is considered out of control and penalties.

If you have a banned dog

If you have a banned dog, the police or local council dog warden can take it away and keep it, even if:

• it is not acting dangerously
• there has not been a complaint

Find out more about banned dogs.

Information about XL Bully banned dogs

It's a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales.

It's illegal to rehome, sell, buy, or transfer ownership of an XL Bully dog to another person. Find out more about the ban on XL bully dogs.

If you think you have an XL Bully dog and have not applied for a Certificate of Exemption you should contact us.

Rules if you have a Certificate of Exemption

A Certificate of Exemption lets you keep a banned dog as long as it does not behave dangerously, and you follow certain rules. It is valid for the life of the dog.

Report a crime about banned dogs

If you think someone has or is breeding banned dogs, please report it online.

If you see a banned dog loose, please report this online.

You can report a nuisance or disturbance by a banned dog, which could include a dog bite.

If the dog seems to be out of control, let us know by calling 101.

If a crime is happening or someone is in danger, call 999. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000 or text us on 999 if you've pre-registered with the emergencySMSservice.

We'd rather you contacted us and we investigate, than not hear from you.

Vets and owners of banned dogs

Vets will not be expected to report XL Bully dogs and their owners to the police. Find out more about compensation and confirming neutering of an XL Bully dog.