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The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans the breeding and sale or exchange of four kinds of dog:

• Pit Bull Terriors
• Japanese Tosas
• Dogo Argentinos
• Fila Brasilerios

A guidance leaflet is available from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) which provides pictures and further information on the specific types of dog prohibited in Great Britain. (See related links below).

It is important to note that “type” rather than breed is used to classify dogs under the Act. This means that only the physical and behavioral characteristics of a dog are used to determine the application of the Act.

The Dangerous Dogs Act also allows for any type of dog that is identified as being "dangerously out of control in a public place" to be destroyed.

The dog owner can be fined and imprisoned for up to six months and, if the dog injures someone, the owner can be jailed for up to two years.

Useful contacts
Contact the councils Dog Warden service on 0151 443 4712 if you see a stray dog wandering the streets.

Contact the Police on 0151 709 6010 to report an incident of an aggressive or dangerous dog or where people have been bitten by a dog.