The police stopped me in the park, but my dog is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, you are allowed to own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. However, it is your responsibility to prove its breed. We can arrange for your dog to be assessed by a breeds expert and argue your dog is exempt from the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Can the police just come and take my dog if they think it is a dangerous breed?

The police or local council dog warden need a warrant to seize your dog from your home or private place. However, they do not need one to stop you and seize your dog in a public place.

What will happen to my dog when it has been taken by the police?

Your dog will be taken to the police kennels and you will not be able to see it. The court will decide whether to return the dog to you if you prove it is not a type of banned dog, order that your dog is destroyed if it's judged to be a type of banned dog or grant an exemption if it thinks your dog is not a danger to the public and put it onto the government's Index of Exempted Dogs.