The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is UK legislation that was introduced in response to various incidents of serious injury or death resulting from attacks by aggressive and uncontrolled dogs, particularly on children. These incidents received heavy tabloid attention, causing widespread public concern over the keeping of "dangerous" dogs and a resulting legislative backlash.
Four breeds in particular were targeted by the Act:
It was made illegal to own any of these dogs without specific exemption from a court. The dogs have to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public and they must be microchipped, registered and insured. Although the Act was also supposed to ban the breeding, sale and exchange of these dogs, it is questionable how effective it has been.
Note that pit bull refers to several different breeds, and is not a breed in and of itself.
In November 2002, Princess Anne was fined £500 under the Act after one of her bull terriers attacked two children. Another of her terriers later fatally injured one of the Queen's corgis and in a separate incident bit one of the Royal staff.
Other countries also have laws pertaining to dangerous dogs. These are state-specific and vary in severity. In some jurisdictions in Australia dogs which have been declared dangerous are required to wear a collar of red and yellow stripes; under the harsh legislation of some municipalities of Queensland, such dogs are seized and put down.
See also Breed-specific legislation
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