• 1,103 dogs were seized in London throughout 2016
• 38 per cent of dog seizures occurred because animals were out of control in public places
• Lewisham was the London borough with the most dog seizures in 2016, followed by Wandsworth and Enfield
• 126 more dogs were impounded by Metropolitan Police in 2016 than in 2015

New analysis by Direct Line Pet Insurance1 reveals 1,103 dogs were seized by the Metropolitan Police during 2016. The majority of dogs were seized (71 per cent) because they were either illegal breeds or exhibiting aggressive behaviour.

More than a quarter (28 per cent) of those seized in 2016 were breeds banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, such as the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasiliero and Dogo Argentino. Nearly two fifths (38 per cent) of the total seizures last year were due to dogs being dangerously out of control in a public place. In some instances people can be granted a special certificate to keep a banned breed as a pet, but they must adhere to strict rules and get special insurance for their dog2.

The overall number of dog seizures increased by 13 per cent between 2015 and 2016 in London, with an extra 126 dogs impounded. This was driven by a sharp increase in the seizure of dangerous animals, which rose by 30 per cent. The number of banned breeds seized however, decreased by 10 per cent during the same time frame.

In the first three months of 2017, an average of two dogs were removed from London’s streets every day, with196 dangerous dogs seized by the police across all boroughs.

Last year, Lewisham recorded the highest number of dogs seized because the canines were of a banned breed, or behaving dangerously in public with 52 seizures, representing 88 per cent of all captures in the borough. This was followed by Wandsworth, with 47 seizures, and Enfield, with 46. Wandsworth was the borough with the highest number of banned breeds seized in 2016, with 29 seizures of illegal breeds.

Top five London boroughs where banned breeds were seized in 2016

Source: Direct Line Pet Insurance 2017

Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, said: “The subject of banned breeds and dog seizures is never straightforward; identifying what constitutes a banned breed can be extremely subjective based on the appearance of an animal. Organisations such as the police and councils are doing a great job in taking dangerous dogs off our streets. The drop in seizures of illegal dog breeds over the last year is testament to the rigorous work being done across the country to protect owners and pets alike.

“Ultimately the law is in place to protect people, if anyone is concerned about a dangerous, or banned, dog living in their area they should contact the police and report it. If a dog owner has their pet attacked by another canine they should be able to claim for treatment on their pet insurance policy and the insurer may even take action against the other dog owner of their behalf.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1 Direct Line Pet Insurance’s analysis of data supplied in response to a Freedom of Information Act request issued to the UK’s police forces. 42 of 44 (95 per cent) police forces responded to the request, of which 34 were able to provide usable data.

2 https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/banned-dogs

For further information please contact:

Claire Foster
Direct Line
[email protected] 
0165 183 1672

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. UK Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 300 7838 or visiting www.directline.com