Let's talk about dog law..

Apparently too many people out there are ignorant when it comes to laws surrounding owning dogs, so im here to educate you/remind you incase anyone has forgotten.

From behaviour, to training, to caring for your dog there are laws that cover them all.

Lets start with welfare -

In the animal care world we have something called the 5 freedoms

1. Freedom from hunger, malnutrition, and thirst.

2. Freedom from fear and distress.

3. Freedom from heat stress or physical discomfort.

4. Freedom from pain, injury, and disease.

5. Freedom to express normal and natural behavior.

While this isnt the direct law these do correlate to it, the dog should live in a suitable environment with an appropriate diet, they should be able to exhibit normal behaviours and be protected from pain, suffering and injury. That is basic animal care, anyone who cannot do this shouldnt own an animal.

Along side animal welfare we have items and acts which are banned under the animal welfare act - including Shock collars (banned in Wales), cropping and docking of the tails and ears (unless performed for medical necessity, tail docking is legal for working dogs if carried out with a permit, by a vet). Any acts of animal cruelty can lead you up to a 5 year prison sentence and unlimited ban on owning animals.

Lets talk behaviour/training -

Under the Dangerous Dogs act 1991, section 3 - all dogs should be kept under control at all times. The only law of keeping dogs on lead is in the Countryside Code, dogs must legally be on lead around livestock, along the coast and on Open Access Land.

Did you know that your dog can be classed as 'out of control for the following' -

• Worrying livestock

• Not recalling and causing fear or injury to a person

• Causing injury to an assistance dog

Under these laws you can face the following -

• up to three years in prison for injury

• 14 years for death

• an unlimited fine

• disqualification from owning pets and having their dog destroyed  

Now dog ownership -

Maybe some things you didnt know -

• A dog is required by law to wear a collar and ID tag when they leave the house.

• All dogs over the age of 8 weeks are required by law to be microchipped.

• Your dog must be 'secure' when in your car, and must not be able to distract you. This can mean they must be seat belt fastened, crated or in the boot.

• You must pick up your dog poo by law in ANY public spaces, this includes fields and open spaces. You can risk a £100 fine or up to £1000 fine for not complying with regulations.

• A loose dog can be classed as out of control.

• Home boarders, daycares and kennels require a license by law. Dog walkers do not.

Under the eyes of the law there is alot of leeway and fine lines into what is an offence.

Basic training and committed dog ownership can help you avoid all of these things.

So my tips to you -

• Train your dog. Loose lead, recall, basic manners.

• Dont buy a dog if you arent prepared to pick up after it.

• Dont buy a dog if you dont have the means to take care of it.

To learn more follow the link below to see what Blue Cross have to say-

Dog Laws UK | Blue Cross