<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Makes it illegal to own any Specially Controlled Dogs without specific exemption from a court </Td> </Tr> <P> The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (c. 65) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that was introduced in response to various incidents of serious injury or death resulting from attacks by aggressive and uncontrolled dogs, particularly on children . It has attracted criticism as an example of poorly - drafted legislation hastily enacted in response to a short - lived media storm . </P> <P> Under the 1991 act (and as amended in 1997) it is illegal to own any Specially Controlled Dogs without specific exemption from a court . The dogs have to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public, they must be registered and insured, neutered, tattooed and receive microchip implants . The Act also bans the breeding, sale and exchange of these dogs, even if they are on the Index of Exempted Dogs . </P> <P> Four types in particular were identified by the Act: </P>

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