New law requires supervised contact between children and banned dog breeds

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 14:07 · Archive

From 1 November, owners of five banned dog breeds must not leave children under 12 in close contact with them without adult supervision.

From 1 November, owners of five banned dog breeds will be required by law to ensure children under 12 are not left in close contact with their pets in private places without adult supervision. The banned breeds are Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and XL Bully. Owners must have valid certificates of exemption to keep any of these breeds, and it remains illegal to sell, abandon, give away or breed from them.

Defra guidance warns that children under 12 are at higher risk of dog-related injuries in the home because they might make sudden movements, loud noises or engage in close contact, which may make the animal uncomfortable. An adult aged 18 or over must be present and able to take steps to keep children safe. Adults must remain nearby, keep both child and dog under supervision, pay attention to their interaction and be able to intervene if necessary or separate them immediately.

Defra has advised that cameras, baby monitors, video doorbells or other devices are not suitable substitutes for adult presence. Despite the bans on these breeds, tens of thousands remain in the UK. The XL Bully was not banned until February 2024, whilst the other breeds have been listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. By the end of 2024, more than 57,000 XL Bullies were registered with Defra, though they were being put down at a rate of more than 100 a month at that time.

How it is being reported

• The new UK dog law coming into force this week – that includes threat of jail sentenceOwners of banned breed dogs will be legally required to make sure they supervise children under the age of 12 with their petsThe Independent · 30 Oct, 12:34
• Brand new dog law affecting 5 breeds takes effect Sunday — criminal offenceThe new law takes effect from November 1.The Mirror · 30 Oct, 07:45
• Brand new law on 5 dog breeds comes into effect this Sunday — criminal offenceThe new law takes effect on November 1.Daily Express · 30 Oct, 05:01

In this story: UK · Defra · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

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