Dangerous dogs

Under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 four breeds of dog are named as prohibited breeds;

These are:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Braziliero
• XL Bully

This makes it illegal to possess any of the above breeds except under strict conditions set out in the Act.

We are aware that the characteristics and measurements set out by the government are causing significant concern to owners of dogs that are not XL Bully dogs but do fit the criteria. If you are unsure, or your dog fits some of the criteria, Check if your dog is an XL Bully via GOV.UK: Guidance - XL Bully conformation standard (opens new window)

Our Dog Wardens are unable to assist or advise you on this.

Owners choosing to have their dog put to sleep can apply for compensation.

GOV.UK: Form - Claim compensation for an XL Bully dog (opens new window)

It will still be possible for businesses to provide these services for exempted XL Bully type dogs if they wish to do so.

It is a requirement of the Certificate of Exemption to keep a prohibited breed type at the same address as the person to whom the certificate is issued except for up to a maximum of 30 days in a 12-month period. During these 30 days, the dog may be kept in suitable care which could include licensed kennels, home boarding or day care.

Licence holders must ensure that they can continue to meet and maintain all their licence conditions should they agree to board an exempted XL Bully. They may also wish to ask the owner of the dog to see their Certificate of Exemption before agreeing to provide their services.

The owner should ensure that the licence holder, or their designated manager, is aware the dog is a prohibited breed type, show them the Certificate of Exemption, and provide all relevant information to ensure the business can comply with the legislation. This includes that from 31 December 2023 the dog must be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public. 

In general, the licensed premises are unlikely to be considered as a public place for the purposes of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. However, depending on the individual set up, some part of the premises used by the licensee may be accessible to the public without the licensee's permission. We would advise that licence holders that are unsure whether their premises or a part of their premises constitute a public place should consult their own legal team for views. If a licence holder or their legal team do consider the premises to be a public place, then an XL Bully would be required by law to be kept on a lead and muzzled.

When transporting exempted XL Bully dogs, they should be on a lead and a muzzle at all times when they are in a vehicle as this is considered to be a public place.

In addition to the above, the following should be in place before accepting any XL Bully type dogs with a Certificate of Exemption onto the premises:

• confirmation from your insurance company to care for a prohibited breed type, listed on the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, at your premises
• appropriate risk assessments in place for the care of the dogs, staff, public and other dogs on the premises
• specific policies and procedures for having prohibited breed types on the premises
• inform/consent from other owners there will be a prohibited breed type on the premises whilst their dog is under your care

Although rare, dog on human attacks do occur. If you have been attacked by a dog you should report the incident immediately to Wiltshire Police on 101. It is not the responsibility of the council's dog wardens to deal with dangerous dogs although we would assist the police should they require our help.

If the dog is still on the loose please ensure that the police are given this information so that steps can be taken to ensure public safety.

Generally dogs are very social animals. However, like humans, some do take a dislike to others. It is in a dog's nature to try and satisfy a hierarchy between members of its pack (this includes animals it will come across whilst out on walks) and in order to do this there may ensue a scuffle between dogs. Most incidents are like this and both animals come away unscathed. However, sometimes things can escalate, and serious attacks can occur leaving animals in distress or injured. The best way to avoid any confrontation is to ensure that your dog is kept under close control by keeping the dog on a lead. The vast majority of incidents that get reported to us involve both parties' animals being off the lead and therefore not under the complete control of the person walking it.

If you believe your dog has been seriously attacked by another person's dog please ensure you:

• check both dogs thoroughly for any wounds.
• if your dog is injured ensure you seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Do not continue to exercise your dog as the movement may cause any smaller tears to enlarge rapidly.
• ensure you take down the other parties details in case it is needed for insurance or prosecution purposes.

Any severe dog on dog attacks should be reported immediately to us on 0300 456 0107.

All dog attacks on livestock should be reported immediately to Wiltshire Police on 101.

This section provides information in regard to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and how Wiltshire Council may be able to help regarding incidents involving a dog believed to be dangerous.

Despite what is commonly thought the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 does not only relate to the keeping of Pit Bull Terriers, this is only a small section of the act.

It is natural for dogs to bark, but constant barking or whining of a dog can be disturbing or annoying for neighbours. Often this problem occurs when owners are out of the house and may not realise that someone is being affected.

In law, a barking dog can be a statutory noise nuisance. Our Dog Wardens do not deal with barking dog complaints, they are managed by the Council's Environmental Health team. We recognise that barking dog complaints often come alongside welfare concerns. If this is the case, the officer dealing with the case may contact the wardens and other relevant authorities for assistance. For more information and advice please visit Noise nuisance.

The dog fouling legislation in Wiltshire is under review at the moment, it is planned that a new Public Space Protection Order will be consulted on during 2024.

If you are concerned about a fouling issue where you don't know who the perpetrator is, or you want to ask about dog fouling bins or signage, see Town and Parish Council Details (opens new window) and contact your town or parish council.

We receive a significant number of complaints regarding dog fouling in Wiltshire. If you have photo or video evidence, details of the owner responsible for dog fouling, and are willing to provide witness statements, please contact dogs@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) and our wardens will investigate and consider legislative action where appropriate.

With the significant increase in dog attacks and dangerous dog concerns, our wardens are currently unable to carry out patrols at popular dog walking destinations.

There are many reasons that you might want to consider hiring a field to exercise your dog/s and our wardens are big advocates for these large safe spaces.

There are many around Wiltshire with new ones opening all the time. If you have internet access and/or social media and search 'dog walking fields to hire' you will be able to find contact and booking details for those near you. Alternatively, if you are struggling to find one locally to you, do contact us at dogs@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) and they may be able to assist you with finding one.