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Dangerous Dogs

Asked by Ruth JonesLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 22 June 2026UIN 9662

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, for what reasons will Articles 2(5)(a) and 3(2)(a) of the The Dangerous Dogs (Exemption Schemes) (England and Wales) (Amendment) Order 2026 come into force on 1st November 2026, rather than on an earlier date.

Answered by Stephen Morgan

From 1 November 2026, it will be an offence to leave a child under the age of 12 in close proximity with a banned breed dog, in a home or garden without adult supervision.

This measure is intended to strengthen safeguards for children, where evidence indicates they are at greater risk of serious injury from dog attacks, particularly in domestic settings. It sets a clear expectation around supervision in higher‑risk situations.

It comes into force on 1 November to give owners sufficient time to prepare and take the necessary steps to comply.

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