<P> The Act also covers cross-breeds of the above four types of dog . Dangerous dogs are classified by "type", not by breed label . This means that whether a dog is prohibited under the Act will depend on a judgement about its physical characteristics, and whether they match the description of a prohibited "type". This assessment of the physical characteristics is made by a court . </P> <P> The Act applies in England, Wales and Scotland, with The Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 having a similar effect in Northern Ireland . </P> <P> The Index of Exempted Dogs is maintained by the Animal Welfare section of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which administers the registration of specially - controlled dogs in England and Wales . </P> <P> In 1991 and 1992, details of all Specially Controlled Dogs and their owners and keepers had to be added to the Index of Exempted Dogs . From early 1992 to 1997, no dogs were allowed to be added to the Index . In 1997, The Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997 was passed which made some changes . </P>

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