In the UK, the main piece of BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) is the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991. Under this Act, (and as amended in 1997) it is illegal to own any Specially Controlled Dogs without specific exemption from a court. The dogs have to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public, they must be registered and insured, neutered, tattooed and receive microchip implants.

Four types of dogs are specifically identified by the Act:

Pit Bull Terrier
Japanese Tosa
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro

Dangerous dogs are classified by "type", not by breed label. This means that whether a dog is prohibited under the Act will depend on a judgement about its physical characteristics, and whether they match the description of a prohibited "type". This assessment of the physical characteristics is made by a court.

A few years ago, a Pitbull named Indy, living in the UK with her autistic dad, was legally taken from her home under this very legislation, solely because she 'looked' more likely to attack than other dogs. Indy and her dad have battled against this for years, and Indy has since been placed in the 'Index of Exempted Dogs'. This makes her a legal companion for her beloved Dad, but she has to be musled whenever they are not on private land, and they must have her papers with her at all times to present to authorities.

Today, there are hundreds of good people in the UK, who are living with good dogs which unfortunately fall into the 'dangerous' category of this Act. These dogs and their masters run the risk of being taken apart against their will even as you read this, even though they will have done nothing wrong but be Pit Bulls, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, or Fila Brasileiro.

I aim for this petition to be taken to the attention of Theresa May, current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. If our voices are loud enough, she will hear us, and hopefully the BSL, the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991, and the other acts that have sprung from it, will be rethought, and repealed.

Join us in the fight,

JESTIN-THORAVAL Chris