New Powers Proposed to Tackle Dangerous Dogs

Jersey Moves to Tighten Rules on Dangerous Dogs

Tougher controls on dangerous dogs could soon come into force in Jersey under new proposals from the island’s constables.

Draft changes to the Dogs (Jersey) Law 1961 would require owners of certain breeds – including the XL Bully – to register them with the States Veterinary Officer.

If approved, the new rules would also mean registered dogs must be neutered and kept muzzled in public. Breeding, selling or giving them away would be banned.

The changes mirror restrictions already in place in the UK, where it became illegal on 1 February 2024 to own an XL Bully without an exemption certificate. But unlike in England and Wales, Jersey plans to set the minimum age for handling such dogs at 18, not 16.

Officials said the law is designed to modernise outdated rules and give police powers to act. At present, there are no formal controls over ownership, despite several dogs on the island already fitting the "dangerous dog" definition.

Chief Vet Susana Ramos has long argued for reform, calling the current law “old and not fit for purpose.” She said the proposals would finally give authorities the legal backing to improve public safety: “The idea of the new law is to allow us to act. The law will give us a little substance to do better than we currently do.”