Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Replace ban with regulated license system for certain dog breeds
Open for signatures
36 signatures
What the petition asks
We feel the current ban on certain dog breeds punishes the animal not the owner, and is distressing to owners of well behaved dogs. We believe the problem is poor training. Instead of bans, there should be a license system to own certain dog breeds, just like the gun license system.
We feel a licensing scheme will be fairer and could give opportunity for people to change their negative perceptions and stop demonising all dogs because some people are bad owners. Many large dogs are well-trained and friendly, and could be kept by responsible owners who have passed a course and DBS check to gain a licence. To keep their license, the owner would have to prove they have paid for professional training for their dog. There could be regular checks on the dog's welfare too.
Timeline
| 17 Feb 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
36
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
17 Feb 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.