What national law in United Kingdom says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
The Dangerous Dogs Act bans the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and, since 2024, the XL Bully. These dogs may only be kept with a certificate of exemption, and must be neutered, microchipped, insured, leashed and muzzled in public.
Yes. Dogs must be microchipped and registered by 8 weeks of age, and since June 2024 cats in England by 20 weeks. Keepers must keep their details up to date.
Restricted. Under “Lucy’s Law” (England 2020, then Wales and Scotland), pet shops and other third-party sellers may not sell puppies or kittens under 6 months — they must be bought from the breeder or adopted.
Great Britain has its own rules: a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days old, and an EU pet passport or GB-issued health certificate. Dogs need a tapeworm treatment 24–120 hours before arriving (except from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta or Norway), and banned breeds such as the XL Bully may not be brought in.
When FDA announces a dog or cat food recall, we email you the brand, the product and what to do.
Or follow the RSS feedGeneral information, not legal advice. Local authorities in United Kingdom may have stricter rules.
