Dangerous dogs

If you need any more information about dangerous dogs you can contact us using the details to the right.

We promote responsible dog ownership, alongside the Police, the RSPCA, the Dogs Trust, Hackney Homes and others.

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How to report a dangerous dog

If you encounter a dog you believe to be dangerous and it is an emergency call 999 immediately.
If it is not an emergency, call the national police non-emergency number, 101.
If you believe you own one of the banned types of dog (see list below) or know of the whereabouts of one of these types of dogs, please contact us or your local Police Status Dog Unit on 101.

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Dangerous Dogs Act​

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is an offence to allow a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control in a public place.

If you have concerns regarding a dangerous dog, please contact us and tell us:

 

• where and when the dog was last seen

• what was the behavior of the dog

• description of the dog (i.e. breed, size, colour, distinguishing features)

• any known information regarding the owner.

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Banned Types​

Four types of dog were also banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991:

• Pit Bull Terrier

• Japanese tosa

• Dogo Argentino

• Fila Brasileiro

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Keeping dangerous dogs legally​

If you are a responsible owner of a dangerous dog, an application can be made to the courts to legally keep your dog. The courts may agree, providing you agreed to abide by some strict rules. If you are successfully accepted onto the register, but are later found not abiding by one or all the restrictions, your dog could be seized.



If you suspect you own a dangerous dog and love them dearly then not all is lost, if you follow the legal requirements and act responsibly you will be able to keep them. Before you decide to sign over your dog to the police contact us. We will give you honest advice.