Dangerous Dogs

It is a criminal offence to allow any breed of dog to be ‘dangerously out of control’. This is any type of behaviour involving a dog which could injure or insight fear to a person.

Burnley Council will investigate reports of the following incidents:

  • Banned, dangerous or aggressive dogs in the borough of Burnley
  • Dogs that are being allowed to attack other dogs
  • Dogs that are being allowed to cause damage to public property (including park benches and trees)
  • Dogs being allowed to stray
  • A dog causing fear and apprehension to a person

If a dog attacks a human, contact the police on 101.

In an emergency, where there is an immediate risk to public safety, call the police on 999.

Reporting a Dangerous Dog

To report a dangerous, aggressive or problem dog:

  • Call us on 01282 425011
  • In an emergency, where there is an immediate risk to public safety, call the police on 999.
  • If it is not urgent, report online…

Banned Dogs

It is illegal to possess the below banned breeds without a certificate of exemption, which is granted once the dog is neutered, insured, and has a microchip implant. These dogs cannot be in a public place without being muzzled and being securely kept on a lead by a person who is not less than 16 years old.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 you must not own, sell, breed, give away, abandon or exchange four breeds of dog:

  • The Pit Bull Terrier 
  • The Japanese Tosa
  • The Dogo Argentino
  • The Fila Brasileiro