Dangerous dogs

The Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, as amended by the Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, bans certain types of dogs as listed below:

  • Pit bull terrier
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Japanese Tosa

It is an offence to own, breed from, give away, sell, exchange, make a gift of or advertise for sale a banned dog.  Councils are responsible for enforcing the Dogs Order.

If you find yourself facing an aggressive dog below are some tips to help stop the incident escalating:

• do not run, stand still

• keep your hands firmly by your sides, do not wave them around

• try telling the dog to sit or stay in a firm tone but do not shout

• do not kick the dog, make loud noises or jump around

• avoid eye contact with the dog as it might think you are challenging it

• slowly back away from the dog and when you are at a safe distance from it, walk away

If you own an aggressive dog, you should:

• 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

For more information contact the Neighbourhood Environment Team on 0300 013 3333.


 

Dog control