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 breeds in the borough of Burnley
  • Dangerous dogs in the borough of Burnley
  • 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 Dangerous Dog Act 1991 you must not own, sell, breed, give away, abandon or exchange four breeds of dog:

Pit Bull Terrier
Japanese Tosa
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro