Dogs

Fighting Dogs & Known Dangerous Dogs

Fighting Dogs

Q & A for Fighting Dogs

What are “fighting dogs”?

Under Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D), "fighting dogs" cover four statutory types: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Braziliero, as well as any crossbreed of these four types.

The Control of Fighting Dogs under Cap. 167D

1. The importation of fighting dogs is prohibited.

2. The breeding of fighting dogs is prohibited. Existing fighting dogs must be neutered by a registered veterinary surgeon and the keeper of an existing fighting dog must possess a valid certificate from the veterinary surgeon certifying that the dog has been neutered.

A large dog on an operation table

3. When in public places, a fighting dog must be securely fitted with a muzzle to prevent it from biting any person. It must also be securely held on a leash no longer than 1.5m long by a person.

4. Fighting dogs must be identified at all times by wearing a specified collar. The specified collar must be at least 1.5cm wide marked on its obverse side with a bright yellow background and at least 4 red diagonal stripes. The stripes must be at least 1.5cm apart and each of them must be at least 1.5cm wide.
Special dog collar

Known Dangerous Dogs

What is a “Known Dangerous Dog”?

Under Section 10 of the Dangerous Dogs Regulation (Cap. 167D), if a dog performs any of the following acts, whether in a public place or not, in the absence of provocation of any form, it may be classified by a magistrate’s orders as a known dangerous dog:

(i) Biting or attacking any person, resulting in the person’s

death, or
serious injury resulting in in-patient treatment in a hospital

(ii) Biting or attacking any domestic animal, resulting in the animal’s

death, or
serious injury resulting in:
- surgery under general anaesthesia at a veterinary clinic or hospital, or
- euthanasia by a veterinary surgeon

(iii) Repeatedly attacking people, or otherwise putting people in fear of being attacked

The control of “known dangerous dogs” under Cap. 167D

1. Known dangerous dogs must be neutered by a registered veterinary surgeon and the keeper of a known dangerous dog must possess a valid certificate from the veterinary surgeon certifying that the dog has been neutered.

2. When in public places, a known dangerous dog must be securely fitted with a muzzle to prevent it from biting any person. It must also be securely held on a leash no longer than 1.5m long by a person.

3. A known dangerous dog must be identified at all times by wearing a specified collar. The specified collar must be at least 1.5cm wide marked on its obverse side with a bright yellow background and at least 4 red diagonal stripes. The stripes must be at least 1.5cm apart and each of them must be at least 1.5cm wide.

Legislation

Applicable Legislation:

Cap. 167D DANGEROUS DOGS REGULATION
Those contravening the Dangerous Dogs Regulation are liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for 6 months.