Dangerous dogs

Any dog has the potential to be dangerous, especially around very small children. Dogs should always be supervised. It is against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere such as:

• in a public space
• in a private place, for example a neighbour's house or garden 
• in the owners home  

A dog could be considered out of control if it makes a person reasonably fear injury to themselves or others.  

Report a dangerous dog

If you see a dog out of control, whether or not it is one of the dangerous dog types, dial 999. 

For advice on whether your dog is one of the listed breeds, or to report a suspicious dog belonging to someone else, call Lancashire police on 101 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

If your dog or cat has been attacked by another dog, then this should be reported to us for investigation, please email contact@chorley.gov.uk to report it to us or call 01257 515151.

If you or somebody else has been bitten by a dog then this should be reported to Lancashire Police by calling 101 or 999 if there is an immediate risk. 

Dangerous Dogs Act

The law applies to all dogs however, there are five types of dog which are prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended in 1997 and 2014).

They are Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazileiro and XL Bully type dogs.

XL Bully dogs were added to the Dangerous Dogs Act prohibited dogs list on 31st December 2023, full restrictions came into effect on 1st February 2024. As of 1st February 2024 it became illegal to possess or have custody of an XL Bully dog under section 1(3) of the 1991 Act unless there is a valid certificate of excemption in place (issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) combined with compliance with the conditions specified in the certificate.   

The act deliberately uses the word 'type' as the law does not only apply to pure breeds. Types are defined by the physical and behavioural characteristics of the prohibited dog.

If you believe somebody owns or is possession of a dog which is a banned breed and has not been exempted this should be reported to the police.