There are a number of laws that cover the welfare and ownership, many of these unfortunately aren't known by owners. Among some of the most important are the following.
Identification
Your dog must where an ID tag with your name, address, and contact details.
Lots of people don't bother with ID tags. Perhaps it's the expense, or maybe they don't want their dogs to be easily identifieed. Either way by doing so you are putting your dog at risk. Not only is it illegal not to have an ID tag on your pet it also means that it can be impossible for you to be contacted should your dog be lost, injured or stolen. A sensible owner will have their dog microchipped (make sure your dog's chipped is registered on the database) AND make sure it is wearing an ID tag.
Lost or stray dogs
Each local authority must, by law, have a person appointed to look after stray dogs. If your dog is lost, make sure you contact your local authority (and any other neighbouring councils) as soon as possible. They are required to keep a register of found dogs but, sadly, the council is only obliged to look after the stray dog for 7 days – after a week the dog may be sold, given to a dog shelter for rehoming or destroyed. You may have to pay a fine of at least £25 plus costs for their food and care.
Barking
Pretty much every dog enjoys a good bark now and then, but if this becomes a nuisance for your neighbours you could face a fine and even prosecution under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 if complaints are made.
If you do need to leave your dog at home for a period of time, make sure they have plenty of toys, a comfy bed in a sheltered spot plus food and fresh water to keep them happy. Ideally, leave your mobile number with neighbours so they can contact you if your dog seems to be distressed or is making a noise, and check with them on a regular basis to make sure that your dog hasn’t been misbehaving whilst you’re out.
Keeping control
For most people, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is all about controlled breeds, such as the Pit Bull Terrier and the Fila Braziliero – although these breeds aren’t banned outright, you do need a Certificate of Exemption and comply with other very strict laws to keep one.
But did you know that the same Act also prohibits any dog, regardless of breed, from being “dangerously out of control in a public place”? The term “dangerously out of control” is defined in the Act as “that the dog will injure a person, whether or not it actually does so”. Dogs that are considered to be “dangerous” may be euthanised if the owner is successfully prosecuted under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
This has very serious implications for all dog owners: whilst you may know that your dog is just being playful and exuberant when they jump up, bark at other people or decide to chase a cyclist or runner, someone less familiar with dogs could find this behaviour hostile and frightening. If they believe that your dog was about to cause an injury, or if they did get a bite or scratch, the police could, in theory, attempt a prosecution under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
For this reason, it’s very important to always keep your dog under control when you’re in a public place: if they are prone to jumping up or barking loudly, consider keeping them on a lead and begin a training program to reduce these behaviours.
It is also worth remembering that many parks and open areas have a number of bylaws covering them. These additional laws can mean that you can be fined or prosecuted if your dog is off lead or deemed to be out of control. Always check what additional laws cover the areas you walk your dogs in.
Further information on the various Acts and laws relating to dogs and other animals can be found on the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW) website.
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