Fila Brasileiro Banned: The Fila Brasileiro has been banned in the United Kingdom under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. This decision follows the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate dangerous dog breeds in response to a rising number of attacks.
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Fila Brasileiro Banned? Reason for the Ban
The Fila Brasileiro is a large and powerful breed originally developed in Brazil. It has long been associated with guarding and hunting. Known for its exceptional tracking ability and natural protective instincts, the breed is often considered unsuitable for domestic environments. (Due to its aggressive tendencies)
Prime Minister at that time, Rishi Sunak recently announced the government’s intention to prohibit the American XL Bully,. He stated, “It’s clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs. It’s a pattern of behavior and it cannot go on.” The ban on the Fila Brasileiro is part of a broader effort to curb dog attacks and ensure public safety. You should also see other banned dog breeds in UK.
The move comes in the wake of a recent attack in Birmingham. An American XL Bully injured an 11-year-old girl and two men who attempted to intervene. Another fatal incident in the West Midlands further heightened concerns, prompting Home Secretary Suella Braverman to call for urgent action on dangerous breeds.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
The Dangerous Dogs Act is to address the growing number of severe attacks involving powerful breeds. Under this law, four breeds are ban in the UK:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
These breeds are dangerous due to their use in illegal dog fighting and their potential to inflict serious harm. The law makes it illegal to own, breed, sell, give away, or abandon any of these dogs. Authorities have the power to seize suspected banned breeds, even if they have not shown aggressive behavior.
Why the Fila Brasileiro Is Dangerous?
The Fila Brasileiro is an exceptionally loyal and protective breed, often forming strong bonds with its owner while remaining highly suspicious of strangers. These traits, while beneficial in controlled environments, can pose a significant risk in urban settings. Unlike other breeds that can socialize, the Fila Brasileiro retains a natural distrust of unfamiliar people and animals.
Additionally, the breed’s physical strength and bite force make it particularly dangerous if not properly managed. Experts have warned that its strong territorial instincts could lead to unprovoked attacks on perceived threats, including visitors, delivery personnel, and passersby.
Public Reaction and Animal Welfare Concerns
The ban on the Fila Brasileiro has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters argue that prohibiting high-risk breeds is essential for public safety, particularly as reports indicate that dog attacks have been increasing in recent years. According to one study, American XL Bully dogs alone accounted for 44% of all dog attacks in 2023 and 75% of fatalities since 2021.
However, animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA have criticized the approach, arguing that breed-specific bans are ineffective and unfairly target certain dogs rather than addressing irresponsible ownership.
“Dogs suspected to be a banned type are taken away from their owner and held in kennels. Many dogs find the process very difficult to cope with, resulting in undesirable changes in health and behavior,” the RSPCA stated.
In some cases, banned dogs should exempt from euthanasia if they pass a behavioral assessment and their owner is responsible. However, such dogs must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public for the rest of their lives, which some argue negatively affects their welfare.
Future of Dog Regulations in the UK
Fila Brasileiro Banned: The ban on the Fila Brasileiro is part of the UK government’s broader initiative to prevent dog-related injuries. As seen with the American XL Bully, ministers are now working to refine breed definitions and strengthen enforcement against irresponsible ownership.
While the ban aims to improve safety, experts emphasize that addressing issues such as illegal breeding, proper training, and public education are equally crucial.
Some have called for the implementation of stricter licensing laws and mandatory training programs to ensure that only responsible individuals own powerful breeds.
With the growing debate surrounding breed-specific legislation, it remains to be seen whether additional breeds will be banned in the future. For now, the Fila Brasileiro joins the list of prohibited dogs in the UK, marking another step in the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate potentially dangerous breeds.
