What happens if an owner disputes that a dog is a pit bull terrier?
In the legislation, dangerous dogs are classified by type, not by a breed label. This means that whether a dog is considered a dangerous type, and is therefore prohibited, will depend on a judgement about its characteristics, and whether they match the description of a prohibited type. This assessment of the characteristics is made by a court. However, if it is alleged by the prosecution that a dog is a banned type, it will be assumed by the court that it is, unless the owner can provide the court with sufficient evidence to the contrary.
