Dogs And The Law

There are some very important dog laws which should be adhered to. These will be to your benefit, your dogs welfare and the benefit and welfare of others. Simplified these laws will include the following:-

Under this order, every dog, whilst on a highway or public area, must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner inscribed upon it or a plate or a badge attached to it.

Any dog that is straying on a highway or place of public resort without it's owner present may be detained by the police or a duly designated officer of the council (the dog warden) and have 7 days in which to claim the dog back by reporting it missing. This should be done to the police or the local authority as soon as possible. 

Requires every local authority to appoint an officer to deal with stray dogs, their detention and welfare. A fine for the return of a stray dog to it's owner is a legal requirement and must be paid before the dog is released.

Requires that all dogs should be under suitable control at all times in public places. There are also certain fighting breeds of dogs such as the Pit Bull Terrier and Japanese Tosa, which have severe restrictions on them. We will liaise with the police on issues under this act.

This act does not limit proper control of public places. It places a responsibility on the dog owner on private property where other people have right of access. Claiming that they did not know the dog was dangerous is no excuse under this law.

Requires owners to ensure that their animals straying on to the road do not cause injury and damage. This is best achieved by the use of a lead on the dog whilst near a road, and ensuring that boundary fences to a property where a dog is allowed exercise, are secure and the dog cannot escape.

Dogs, whilst in a public place, must have their faeces picked up if they foul. Not having, or not being equipped with a bag is not an excuse under this law. Dog owners face a fixed penalty notice of £50 for failing to pick up after their dog and up to £1000 fine for non-payment of that fixed penalty. Dog faeces should be placed in a dog-fouling bin or a small amount can be placed in a normal waste bin in a secure plastic bag.

No animal, including dogs, should be abandoned, whether permanently or not, in circumstances likely to cause the animal any unnecessary suffering or being the owner permit it to be so abandoned.

 

This act, apart from the obvious abandonment of a dog also applies to dogs left in cars on hot days. Temperatures will become unbearable over a short period of time, even if the dog has shade and water inside. We will liaise with the Police when we receive reports of this nature and if the dog is considered to be suffering, further action will then be taken.

 

That's the main laws that affect you and your dog. There are many others but if a dog is kept responsibly and does not cause nuisance or danger to others then you should not go far wrong. The dog service can provide advice and information if you require.

 

For further information, please contact the Pest and Dog Team .