In the UK it is against the law to own a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino or a Fila Brasileiro. That is because these breeds are banned under the enactment of the Dangerous Dog’s Act of 1991. In that year an Act of Parliament was passed which prohibits the ownership of certain types of dog. The Dangerous Dog’s Act also strengthened the legal responsibilities of owners of all types of dog, and made it clear that if any dog misbehaved in public its owner would pay the consequences.

The Act was brought in after a bout of savage dog attacks on people. In the years running up to 1991 there had been a surge in the number of dogs bred to fight and to intimidate.

Ear cropping of dogs is a criminal offence in this country and for very good reason. This mutilation that is intended to give dogs a more aggressive appearance is painful and of not the slightest benefit to the animal.

It seems the only reason it is performed is fashion. We appreciate that some people have rescued imported animals treated this way with the very best of intentions. Unfortunately, this has served to make it less obvious when criminal activity has taken place. We would discourage anyone from bringing an animal with cropped ears into the country so we can put an end to this practice here.