Walking Your Dog: Do You Know the Laws?

It’s important to be aware of various laws that may affect dog walkers, so PetAir have put together some of them:

The Control of Dogs Order (1992)

This order states that when a dog is in a public place, it must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner on it, or engraved onto a tag. It’s not mandatory that your phone number is on there too, but it is advisable. Certain dogs are exempt from this, including registered guide dogs for the blind, dogs being used in emergency rescue work, dogs being used for the armed forces/police and more. It can be enforced by your local authority and can hold a maximum fine of £5,000 if prosecuted.

Microchipping of Dogs in England (2016)

In 2016, a law was introduced that made it compulsory for dogs to be microchipped. You must make sure your dog is fitted with a microchip by the time it’s 8 weeks old, registered to an approved data base and details must be kept up to date. Dog owners who fail to comply with the microchipping law can face a fine of up to £500, however an initial notice will usually be served which gives an owner 21 days to get their dog microchipped.

The Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act (2005)

[Dog, Collar, Animal, Golden Retriever, Fur, Outdoors] Under this act, you can be fined for breaching “Dog Control Orders” – these were introduced by various local authorities for offences such as: not cleaning up dog faeces, not keeping a dog on a lead or putting a dog on one when directed to do so, letting your dog enter prohibited land and more. If you fail to comply with the Dogs Control Orders, you can face up to a £5,000 fine.

There are various other laws that may affect dog walkers, so be sure to do your research.

Fri Feb 3 2017