The U.K. Dangerous Dogs Act was enacted in 1991 and contained elements of dangerous dog law and breed-specific legislation (BSL). Some people believed the government passed the act simply to relieve public concerns, despite strong opposition and without evaluating the evidence. Research since has shown that banned breeds do not cause the majority of bites; however, the number of dogs seized for appearing to be a prohibited type rose in the aftermath.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals claims that dog bite incidents increased despite the act. It is also possible that the act, which is still in existence, had and continues to have a broader impact on societal perceptions of dogs.