Skip to main content

Controlled Breeds

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 places extra duties on the owners of the following breeds:

  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Bull Mastiff
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • English Bull Terrier
  • German Shepherd (Alsatian)
  • Japanese Akita
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Rottweiler
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or a cross of any of these
     

These dogs may not appear in any public place unless:

  • the dog is wearing a secure muzzle
  • the dog is on a strong leash no more than two meters long
  • the dog is led by a person over 16 years old, capable of controlling the dog 

Contravention of the Regulations can result in fines, imprisonment, seizure and even destruction of the dog. Section 6 of the 1998 Regulations requires every dog at all times to wear a collar and an identity tag giving the name and address of the owner.