2. • “I’ve been bitten by a yellow lab, a little terrier,
but the majority of the time, any breed you can
see could be the nicest dog, including pit bulls.
A lot of it has to do with the owner, how they
treat their dog”
• “They’ve all got teeth, don’t they?”
Ned Shimp
Animal Control Officer
Salem County
3. • “Six thousand postal workers are
attacked by dogs each year...all for doing
their job”
Bill Hayes
Communication Workers Union
4. Reasons for dog attacks
Might include:
• Dogs more dangerous
• More reporting of complaints
• Owners less responsible
• Victims less knowledgeable
• Wrong dogs with wrong owners
• Plus many other factors….
5. Section 3
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
• If a dog injures a person in (a) a public place, or
(b) a non public place where the dog is not
permitted to be a criminal offence is committed
• Penalties:-
– Up to 2 years imprisonment
– Unlimited fine
– Unlimited compensation
– Discretionary disqualification
– Presumption of destruction of the dog (1991 – 1997 it
used to be mandatory)
6. Section 1
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
• It is an offence to possess a proscribed
dog unless it has been registered on the
Index of Exempted Dogs
• The four proscribed types are
– Pit Bull Terrier
– Japanese Tosa
– Fila Brasiliero
– Dogo Argentino
7. • The Index of Exempted Dogs closed in
1991
• Between 1991 – 1997 it was impossible to
have a dog registered
• Penalties:-
– Up to 6 months imprisonment
– Fine of up to £5,000
– Discretionary disqualification
– Presumption in favour of destruction of the dog
– Since 1997 it can be registered if you can
prove to a Court that the dog would not
constitute a danger to public safety
8. What is a pit bull terrier ‘type’?
• The word ‘type’ has a meaning different
from and wider than the word ‘breed’
• Courts are entitled to use the ADBA
standard as a guide
• A dog is a pit bull type if its characteristics
substantially conform to ADBA’s standard
• Behaviour is relevant but not conclusive
9. What can be done?
• Education
• The right dog for the right owner
• Training of both dogs and owners
• Microchipping
• Insurance
• Disqualify those who are not fit and
proper
• Continue with stiff penalties
• Control Orders
• Destruction should be the last resort
• Plus many other things.....
