What is the Dog Law UK in 2025?
Dog Law UK
The UK dog law is important to know as it states about which of your dog’s behaviours can get him into trouble.
Did you know that a dog doesn’t just have to bite someone to be put down anymore?
What is "Dangerously Out of Control" ?
It is an offense to have a dog “dangerously out of control” in a public area or private property (as of 2014).
If your dog is found to be, it could be seized and put down. You could also be facing fines, prison sentences and a ban on keeping dogs unless you can convince the courts otherwise.
So what is classed as “dangerously out of control” in the dog law UK?
This is classified as a dog that injures a person, or even if a person is worried that it will injury them.
This can include barking, jumping and chasing someone, in other words, the dog doesn’t have to physically make contact with someone.
The law even goes as far as to say; if a dog attacks someone’s animal or the owner of said animal believes he will be injured if he defends his animal, this could cause involvement of the police and penalties.
All of the above class as “dangerously out of control”.
It is important to note that if your dog chases or attacks livestock a farmer has the legal right to kill him on the spot.
(It is illegal to shoot only to maim, as this causes suffering, hence a farmer will only shoot to kill).
XL Bully UK Law
Due to the number of attacks and human deaths caused by this breed and large bull type dogs they became banned in 2025. It is now illegal to;
- sell an XL Bully dog
- abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray
- give away an XL Bully dog
- breed or breed from an XL Bully dog
- have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle
(If you need help muzzle training check out these videos!)
All XLs owned prior to the ban had to have a certificate of exemption (which has now closed). This was to prevent beloved pets from being put to sleep needlessly.
The govenement doesn’t go on DNA or papers, it classifies by appeared ONLY. A lot of cane corsos and Dogge de Bordeaux became at risk when the ban came into force because of this. For a full list of defining features go to the government website. The most defining feature in the section is the height, everything else is done by eye. Males from 20 inches (51cm) to tops of the shoulder and females at 19inches (48cm).
Our trainers work with a lot of XLs, we don’t have a banned list, we are very familiar with them and work with all problems including aggression. If you need a home visit please go here.
My Dog Has Bitten Someone!
Will He Be Put Down?
What's the Law?!
If your dog has bitten some one, this is very serious, but fortunately the law has been slightly amended, as of 2014, so that it is NOT mandatory to put down dogs that have had complaints but are still deemed safe.
Often the dog will be taken away and his general behaviour assessed, before anything is decided. He will also be DNA tested to see if he contains a banned breed.
Hospitals have a legal obligation to inform the police of any dog bites that they encounter. This will lead to the police visiting the dog in question and possibly seizing him.
This isn’t just limited to hospitals however, services that come into your home (if they are run by the council) must also notify of any dog bites they receive from working on your home. If you think your dog will bite a guest put them in other room or have them muzzled and on a lead.
Don’t forget about the postmen! Dogs can bite postmen through the letterbox as they’re delivering and can run out when you’re signing something too.
Almost 80% of dog attacks happen around the front door!
Even if the police don’t take action Royal Mail undertake their own, private prosecutions if adequate steps haven’t been taken.
It is well worth knowing the law on dog behaviour so you can be extra cautious and help to protect your best friend, even if it’s from himself!
And remember, always practice working with your dog so that he can listen, is balanced and not getting himself into any trouble.
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