Handing over an Illegal Dog

Merseyside Police and our partner agencies encourage responsible dog ownership.

Between 7 and 13 February 2007 owners of illegal dogs have the opportunity to co-operate with the police and hand them over for humane destruction without being prosecuted.

It is hoped that this initiative will remove as many illegal dangerous dogs as possible before a period of enforcement activity begins.

Anyone who co-operates with the police and hands over an illegal dog during the handover period will not be reported for prosecution for the possession or custody of the animal.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans the following types of dogs:

• Pit Bull type

• Dogo Argentino

• Japenese Tosa

• Fila Braziliero

The main concern on Merseyside is Pit Bull Types. Some common names for these types of dogs are Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Type (APBT), American Staffordshire, Irish Staff, Irish Blue Staffordshire.

Merseyside Police recommends that these dogs are not suitable as family pets. If an owner or keeper of an illegal dog does not wish to hand it over voluntarily, then Merseyside Police will apply to the court to have the animal destroyed.

Return to More Reading

Return to Lead or Muzzle