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Written question asked by Neil Duncan-Jordan (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2026. It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dangerous Dogs: Insurance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the evidence base was for requiring third-party liability insurance for banned breeds, and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of removing the requirement.

Answer

From 1 July 2026 it will no longer be a requirement for banned breed dogs to have third party public liability insurance.

Insurance formed part of the safeguards attached to Certificates of Exemption, providing financial protection for dog owners in the event of an incident. No alternative third‑party public liability insurance product is currently available for banned breed dogs following the withdrawal of the only provider. The requirement has therefore been removed to ensure otherwise compliant owners are not placed in breach of the law through no fault of their own.

Owners of exempted dogs must continue to meet all other conditions of their Certificate of Exemption, including keeping dogs muzzled and on a lead in public places, and remain legally responsible for any harm caused by their dogs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
8977
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Insurance Dangerous dogs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk