Dog Owners Urged to Check Licensing Rules as Laws Change

Dog owners in Jersey are being urged to renew their licences for 2026 as new legal requirements come into force.

For the first time, licence applicants must state whether their dog is classed as a dangerous breed, following changes to the law approved by the States Assembly last November.

The Comité des Connétables said licences can be renewed online at a cost of £10 per dog, provided applications are completed by 31 January. After that date, the fee will rise to £20 per animal.

Licences are not required for dogs under six months old or for assistance dogs supporting people who are visually impaired or deaf.

The committee also confirmed that licences cannot be issued to anyone under the age of 16, or under 18 in the case of dogs considered dangerous.

Under the updated legislation, five breeds are officially classified as dangerous: dogo argentino, fila brasileiro (Brazilian mastiff), Japanese tosa, pit bull terrier and XL bully.

Guidance has also been published by the States veterinary officer outlining breeds that may share the physical characteristics of an XL bully. These include the American XL bully, American Staffordshire terrier, bull terrier, American bulldog, cane corso and presa Canario.

Keeping a dangerous dog without registration after 31 December 2025 will be a criminal offence under the new rules.