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.