Dog Bite Law UK: Dangerous Dogs Act 2014 Changes All Dog Owners Must Know

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is one of the most significant pieces of legislation affecting dog owners in the UK. Whether you’re a new dog owner or long-established, all dog owners should be aware of its implications—whether you own a gentle teacup Chihuahua or a large guarding breed.

What is the Dangerous Dogs Act?

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was introduced in response to a series of dog attack incidents in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The law has two principal sections that affect dog owners:

Section 1 – Bans certain types of dogs outright, irrespective of their individual behaviour.
Section 3 – Makes it an offence for any dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place, regardless of breed.

Section 1: The Four Prohibited Breeds

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits four types of dogs:

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

However, the Act also applies to any dog of any breed that poses a risk to people, which many dog owners may not fully appreciate. It is not about the breed alone, but about the individual dog's behaviour and appearance.

2014 Amendments: Extension to Private Property

In May 2014, significant amendments to the Dangerous Dogs Act came into force. Previously, Section 3 only applied to public places. The 2014 amendments extended the Act's provisions to include private property, meaning dogs can now be prosecuted for attacking someone in a private home or garden, not just in public. This change has significant implications for all dog owners:

Owners are now legally responsible for controlling their dogs on their own property.
If your dog attacks a visitor, postman, or anyone else on your property, you can face prosecution.
Homeowners and landlords may also face liability if they knowingly allow a dangerous dog to remain on their premises.

What are the Penalties?

The penalties for offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act are severe:

Owning a prohibited dog: up to six months imprisonment or a fine, and the dog is likely to be destroyed.
Allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control: up to five years imprisonment (increased in 2014) or 14 years if a person dies.
Courts can also order a dog to be destroyed or impose a Contingent Destruction Order requiring specific management conditions.

What Counts as Dangerously Out of Control?

A dog is considered dangerously out of control if it injures someone or if a person has reasonable grounds to be afraid the dog will injure them. This applies to all breeds, not just prohibited types. Even a small dog barking aggressively at a postman through a garden gate could potentially be considered a concern under the Act, highlighting why responsible ownership is essential for all dog owners.

Implications for Dog Owners

All dog owners must ensure their dogs are well-socialised, properly trained, and managed responsibly. This includes ensuring your dog cannot escape from your property, is kept under control in public, and does not pose a threat to others. Dogs should be properly identified by microchip and kept up to date with vet care. Responsible ownership also means addressing any aggressive behaviour early with professional behavioural support.

The Index of Exempted Dogs

Some Pit Bull Terrier-type dogs can be placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs (IED) if assessed as safe. These dogs must be neutered, microchipped, tattooed, insured, and kept on a lead and muzzled in public at all times. Owners must also meet other strict conditions. This allows some dogs to live out their lives rather than face destruction.