HomeDangerous and illegal dogs
Under the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, it
is an offence for any dog to attack or cause serious injury to a person or livestock.This includes broken bones, severe cuts which require stitches, or the total or partial loss of sensation or function in part of the body.
The legislation also classifies dogs which are trained to attack people or animals, or are kept as guard dogs, as 'dangerous'.
Help and advice
If you feel threatened by a dog, follow these tips:- stand still and don't run
- keep your hands firmly by your sides and don't wave them around
- try telling the dog, once, to sit or stay in a firm tone
- don't kick out, make loud noises or jump around
- avoid eye contact as the dog may think you are challenging it
- slowly back away from the dog and, when you are a safe distance back, walk away.
- always remember your dog is not a human and will act and behave accordingly
- get your dog microchipped
- fit an identification disc and collar
- keep your dog on a lead and muzzle it when in public
- put up a sign on your gate or door warning visitors that you have a dog inside
- keep your dog indoors and make sure it is properly supervised when outside.
Illegal dogs
The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 also bans the ownership, breeding, sale or exchange and advertising for sale of certain types of fighting dogs.This covers the following dog types:
- pit bull terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Fila Braziliero
- Dogo Argentino.
