Another killer dog breed banned

The breed is also prohibited from import by Australia. Photo / Thinkstock

A killer breed of dog can no longer be imported, after being added to a list of prohibited canines.

The Perro de Presa Canario has been added to the list of dogs banned by the Dog Control Act 1996, Local Government Minister Rodney Hide said.

"The tendency of the Presa Canario to exhibit aggressive behaviour or attack, and the size and strength of the breed, makes it of particular concern because of the seriousness of the injuries it could inflict," Mr Hide said.

The breed of large heavy dogs with powerful jaws, originated from the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, where it has been used for organised dog fights.

There have been two known fatal attacks in the United States involving the dogs and the breed is prohibited from import by Australia.

While there were no known Presa Canario dogs in New Zealand, the move was a precautionary public safety measure, Mr Hide said.

- NZPA