Pit Bull Terriers

Can you get liability insurance for a Pit Bull in the UK?

Yes. It is a legal requirement in the UK for Pit Bulls to have Third Party Liability Insurance. This is a provision of The Dangerous Dogs Act.

Also known as Public Liability Insurance, Third Party Liability Insurance is designed to cover compensation and legal costs in the event that your dog injures someone or causes an accident.

It's worth speaking to trusted Pit Bull breeders to get a recommendation for a company that offers this cover or Googling to find one.

The Dangerous Dogs Act

In 1991, the UK Government passed The Dangerous Dogs Act. This controversial piece of legislation was intended to respond to a number of attacks by dogs on children, which had been the subject of sensationalized reporting by the press.

The Dangerous Dogs Act banned four breeds in the UK:

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

As a result, keeping, breeding, and selling these dogs is illegal. However, owners can apply to the courts for an exemption. If the dog is judged not to be a threat to public safety, he or she is added to the Index of Exempted Dogs.

By Sam Gilbert