Rishi Sunak says the dogs are a danger to communities but the RSPCA does not agree
A popular breed of dog will be banned after a spate of attacks, including one involving two animals that led to the death of a man in Staffordshire. The powerful American XL Bully breed has provoked debate in recent weeks with many calling for it to be banned whilst others say it's the owners to blame for poorly behaved pets.
Any dog added to the banned breeds list is illegal to own, breed or sell. At the moment there are four banned breeds in the UK: the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. Any seized dog will be judged by a council dog expert to determine whether "it is or could be a danger to the public", at which point it will either be released back to you or kept in kennels while the police apply to a court. From there, it is "your responsibility" to prove in court that your dog is not a banned type.
However, there are exemptions to the banned dogs rule. If your dog is a banned breed but the court does not believe it to be a danger to the public, it may be put on the Index of Exempt Dogs, which will allow you to keep it. In this circumstance, you'll be given a Certificate of Exemption that is valid for the life of the dog - but you'll need to follow strict rules.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
XL Bullies to be banned by end of the year following series of attacksAnnouncing the ban, Rishi Sunak said the breed was a 'danger to our communities, particularly children'
Read more »
Politics latest: Rishi Sunak makes claim about Labour's migration plans as war of words continuesLabour and the Conservatives trade blows over Sir Keir Starmer's plans to tackle migration and people trafficking gangs.
Read more »