In the UK, it is illegal to own, breed, sell, abandon, or give away certain types of dogs, which are known as banned dogs. The breeds that are banned in the UK are the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. These breeds were originally bred for fighting, and the government has ruled them as dangerous. It is also against the law to own a dog that matches many of the characteristics of a Pit Bull Terrier, even if it is not a purebred. The government states that whether a dog is a banned type depends on what it looks like, rather than its breed or name. If you own a banned dog, the police or local council dog warden can take it away and keep it, even if it is not acting dangerously. If you are found guilty of owning a banned dog, you can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to 6 months (or both), and your dog will be destroyed.