You might already be aware of some of the laws that surround dog ownership. But there may also be a few you are less familiar with. In this blog, we will look at the laws you should be complying with to keep your dog, and yourself, safe.

Table of contents

Do identify your dog – microchips and name tags

Identification of your dog is important. Not only will it reunite you with your dog should they go missing and prevent ownership disputes, but it is actually a legal requirement.

As of April 2016, microchipping became compulsory in pet dogs residing in the UK. According to the government website, you could be fined up to £500 for not complying with this. All dogs over the age of 8 weeks old must be microchipped, by a trained professional. (Although there are temporary exemptions in some cases if their vet believes that it would not be safe to do so).

A microchip is about the size of a large grain of rice that is implanted between your dog’s shoulder blades. This chip or transponder contains a number that will be held on a secure database with your contact details. So make sure the database is kept up to date if you move house!

In addition to this, your dog must still wear a visible name tag on a collar when out in public. This must state your name and address on it by law, so do make sure you have one.

Don’t allow your dog to foul

Allowing your dog to foul in public and not picking the mess up can result in a fixed penalty notice of up to £100. Cases that go to court could end up costing you even more.

Dog waste is offensive, messy and could carry parasites and other diseases, so do pick it up. Dog waste can go in any bin, if there is no dog waste specific bin available, or carry it home.

Do follow car safety rules

Rule 57 of the highway code dictates that dogs (and any other animals) travelling in a vehicle must be suitably restrained. Methods of appropriate restraint include a dog seatbelt, dog crate or being separated from passengers via a dog guard in the boot.

If your dog is free in the main part of the car then you risk serious injury to yourselves and your pet should you have to brake suddenly, or if you are involved in an accident. There is also a risk of your pet distracting you whilst you are driving if they are loose in the car. Carrying your dog on your lap or having them free in a footwell are not acceptable methods of restraint, so don’t do it.

Do follow the Welfare Laws

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 helps to protect the welfare of animals by ensuring the following basic needs are met –

  • The animal has a suitable environment and place to live
  • The animal has a suitable diet for its species
  • They are allowed to exhibit normal behaviour patterns 
  • They are to be housed with, or apart from, other animals. (If applicable, for example, rabbits should always be kept in pairs or more as they need companionship)
  • The animal should be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease 

These basic needs are known as Five Welfare Needs. If you own an animal, you should be meeting all these needs to ensure your pet is kept happy and healthy. If you don’t comply you could be found guilty of animal neglect; which is punishable with a ban on owning animals, an unlimited fine and even a jail sentence of up to 6 months.

Don’t break the Dangerous Dogs Act

The Dangerous Dogs Act applies to everyone, regardless of the breed you own. It means that you must keep your dog under control both in public and on your private property. If your dog bites someone, or intimidates someone such that they fear they may be bitten, then you will be committing an offence.

This may mean you need to provide extra training for your dog to stop accidents from happening, especially if they go into attack mode at the sight of a postman or courier!

Don’t own a banned breed

There are 4 banned breeds in the UK, which are –

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro

It is illegal to own, sell or give away any of these breeds. This means your dog could be seized even if it hasn’t been acting dangerously. On some occasions, an exemption may be given if a court deems your dog is not a danger to the public. Your dog will need to be kept muzzled and on a lead at all times whilst in public. And housed somewhere securely such that it can’t escape.

Do not support ear cropping and tail docking

Ear cropping is an illegal act of mutilation in the UK. It carries no benefits whatsoever to the dog and is purely carried out for cosmetic reasons. Sadly, this procedure is allowed to take place in certain other countries meaning dogs can be imported into the country with cropped ears still.

Tail docking is also illegal in this country. But exemptions can be made for certain breeds of working dog or as an act of veterinary surgery to remove a diseased or injured tail. Again, tail docking for other reasons is unnecessary mutilation which stops dogs from being able to express themselves fully.

Do act sensibly around livestock

Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, if a dog worries a sheep whilst out walking on agricultural land then the person in charge of that dog is guilty of an offence. Dogs that chase, bark or nip at sheep can cause serious damage and stress to these animals. This can result in the abortion of lambs in pregnant sheep as well as injuries. 

Do always keep your dog on a lead around livestock, even if they are usually sensible, it’s not worth taking the risk.

Don’t let your dog be a noise nuisance

Dogs that are a public nuisance by barking regularly or for prolonged periods can result in action being taken against you. Most dogs will bark from time to time, this can’t be helped, but in some instances that barking becomes excessive. Dogs that are anxious when left alone for long periods, or dogs that are neglected and shut outside for hours on end are more likely to bark.

This will start to have a negative impact on your neighbours, affecting the enjoyment of their own home. Local councils can help to investigate noise complaints, so don’t let your dog be on the end of one!

Conclusion

Many of these laws you will already be following, but it’s always worth re-familiarizing yourself with them. Responsible dog ownership is important for everyone. If you are struggling with any aspects of your dog’s training or behaviour, then speak to your vet or a qualified pet behaviourist for advice on how to tackle things properly.

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