Pit Bulls along with a number of other breeds have now been officially classified as Dangerous Breeds in the UK under a law we have had since 1991. The specific breeds are:
The act bans the breeding and sale or exchange of four kinds of dog - pit bull terriers, Japanese Tosas, the Dogo Argentinos, and the Fila Brasileiros. Cross-breeds of those dogs are also covered by the law.
Any other dogs "appearing... to be bred for fighting or to have the characteristics of a type bred for that purpose" are also banned.
Under the act, a dog classed as being "dangerously out of control in a public place" can be destroyed. The owner can be fined up to $10,000 and imprisoned for up to six months.
We had a number of serious incidents involving this type of dog a few years ago, which were probably a small minority relevant to the number of animals, but nevertheless forced the UK Government to take drastic action.
There is a high profile court case going on at present where a grandmother has been charged with causing the death of her 5 yr old granddaughter by gross negligence after allowing a pit bull into the house.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/e...de/6987128.stm