Politics · United Kingdom · 14 hrs ago
UK law requires adult supervision for children near five banned dog types
From November 1, UK rules require adult supervision when a child under 12 is in close contact with a banned dog in a private place.
The rule applies to the XL Bully and four other banned types: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.
It applies to owners with certificates of exemption, which allow them to keep a banned dog under strict conditions.
Supervision must be in person by an adult aged 18 or older; a camera or baby monitor does not count.
Owners who break the rules could face an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison, and the dog may be destroyed.
The RSPCA says children should never be left unsupervised with any dog, not only banned types.
The rule takes effect on November 1, and owners must follow it to keep their exemption.
A UK law taking effect on November 1, 2026, requires adult supervision when children under 12 are in close contact with banned dogs in private places.
The rule applies to five banned types: XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.
The adult must be at least 18 and present in person; cameras and baby monitors do not count.
The RSPCA supports the aim of protecting children but says the requirement should not apply only to banned types, as any dog can bite.
Owners who unlawfully possess a banned dog can face an unlimited fine, up to six months in prison, or both, and the dog may be destroyed.
- Who
- Owners of banned dogs and children under 12. An adult aged 18 or over must supervise.
- What
- A new rule requires adult supervision when a child under 12 is in close contact with a banned dog in a private place.
- When
- It takes effect on November 1, 2026.
- Where
- In private places, such as a home or garden, in the UK.
- Why
- Defra says children face a higher risk of dog-related injuries at home, and sudden movements or loud noises can make dogs uncomfortable.
UK government rule
RSPCA
Scope
UK government rule
The rule requires supervision for children under 12 in close contact with banned dogs in private places.
RSPCA
The RSPCA says it is disappointed the requirement applies only to banned types.
Safety approach
UK government rule
Defra says children face a higher risk of dog-related injuries at home.
RSPCA
The RSPCA says any dog can bite and children should never be left unsupervised with dogs.
The XL Bully became illegal to own without an exemption certificate in England, Scotland and Wales.
The XL Bully restrictions extended to Northern Ireland.
Lincolnshire Live reported the RSPCA’s advice ahead of the law change.
The adult-supervision requirement takes effect.
- Effective date
- November 1, 2026
- Age threshold
- Under 12
- Adult requirement
- At least 18 and present in person
- Banned types
- XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro
- Maximum penalties
- Unlimited fine and up to six months in prison
3 sources
What people are saying
From 1 November 2026, you must not leave a child under 12 in close contact with an XL Bully dog in a private place (for example, a home or garden), without adult supervision. This will be a condition of your Certificate of Exemption.
Our advice to all parents with dogs is to never leave kids and dogs alone, unsupervised.
Any dog - whether a banned type or not - has the potential to bite and we want to remind all dog owners that they should never leave dogs and children unsupervised.