New proposed powers to control dangerous dogs

The proposed amendments would require the dog to wear a muzzle in public

Changes could be introduced in Jersey to control dogs which are "considered to be dangerous", according to the States.

The island's constables have made draft amendments to the Dogs (Jersey) Law 1961 which, if approved, will mean owners of certain breeds, such as the XL Bully, must register them with the States Vet.

Strict rules about owning XL Bully dogs were introduced across the UK and, since 1 February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own one without an exemption certificate.

The constables' proposed amendments would include a requirement to neuter the "dangerous dog" and keep it muzzled in a public place.

'Public safety'

Officials said owners would not be allowed to breed, sell or give such dogs away.

The proposed scheme would also provide that the owner and any person in control of a dog in a public place must be aged 18 or over, they added.

This differs from England and Wales, where a person aged 16 and over may be an owner.

The States Veterinary Officer (SVO) said it was aware of a number of dogs that could fall within the definition of a dangerous dog, officials said, but there were currently no powers to control ownership or to impose conditions to enhance public safety.

"The Jersey registration scheme will require the SVO to maintain a register of dangerous dogs and it will be an offence to own a dangerous dog unless it is registered with the SVO," it said.

The draft law has not been approved yet, but it is aimed at modernising the rules and giving police powers to deal with dangerous dogs.

Chief Vet at the States Susana Ramos previously said improvements were needed to the law so that restrictions could be imposed on imports of dangerous dogs when coming from outside Jersey.

Ms Ramos said the current law was "old and not fit for purpose anymore".

She added: "The idea of the new law is to allow us to act.

"The law will give us a little substance to do better than we currently do."