Above. Cosworth was seized under Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) of the Dangerous Dogs Act as a pitbull type.He was granted exemption at court and placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs Register.
Under the Dangerous Dogs ACT 1991, it is illegal to own certain types of dog. These are
the pit bull terrier - Japanese Tosa - Dogo Argentino - Fila Braziliero.
This list also extends to a banned breed TYPE! . Whether a dog is deemed as a banned breed or a banned breed type depends on its appearance rather than its actual breed or name.
If the banned type of dog is in a public place the police do not need a warrant. If, however the dog is in a private place, the police need a warrant. If however the dog is in a private place and the police have a warrant for something else (like a drug search), they can seize your dog.
With the permission from a court, the police can seize any banned dog on appearance alone. Even if no complaint has been made that the dog is or has been acting dangerously.
Once a banned dog is seized, a police dog expert will visit your dog at the kennel location to judge what type of dog you have and whether they believe (or could be) a danger to the public or not.
Depending on his or her decision your dog will either be released back to you or kept in kennels until the case goes to court. If they believe your dog is a banned breed you have to go to court, you cannot visit your dog whilst they are incarcerated and you wait for the court to make a decision.
If the courts agree your banned breed dog is not a danger to the public, you may be allowed to keep it. You will be granted a Certificate of Exemption from DEFRA.
Your dog must be: neutered - microchipped - kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public - kept in a secure place so it can't escape.
As the owner, (of a banned type) you must: take out insurance against your dog injuring other people (Third Party Insurance). You must be aged over 16 and show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or council dog warden. If you can not do this at the time you must present it within 5 days.
Above. Coco was seized under Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) of the Dangerous Dogs Act as a pitbull type.She was granted exemption at court and placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs Register.
If you move address or your dog dies, you must inform the Index of Exempted Dogs. It is also against the law to sell, abandon, give away or breed from a banned dog.
