Paws for Thought

Article by
Patricia Ling

As a responsible dog owner it is your duty to make yourself familiar with various laws that affect you as a dog owner and I hope this blog will help you. If you comply with all of these laws you should have no problems with your dog but if you do have any problems please contact us at Garden House Solicitors so that we can help you.

The Control of Dogs Order 1992

This law requires that all dogs wear a collar and a tag showing the owner’s name and address on it whilst they are out at a public place. Any dog without a collar in a public place can be seized by the police and treated as a stray. If your dog gets out by accident you should immediately contact the dog warden in your local area and the local police station and notify them of that because the Environmental Protection Laws Act 1990 allows the dog to be seized, sold or destroyed if it is not claimed within 7 days.

It is a sensible idea to have your dog micro chipped to make sure that you can be contacted quickly if your dog strays. Chipping is relatively inexpensive and at the same time as being micro chipped you can have a thermometer chip inserted which will be more comfortable should a vet have to check your dog’s temperature.

Animals Act 1971

Under this Act a farmer can shoot a dog if it is worrying his livestock and the owner could face criminal prosecution.

Road Traffic Act 1988

This Act states that it is an offence for a dog to be on a road without a lead.

Guard Dogs Act 1975

Under this Act the dog must be with a handler at all times and a warning that a guard dog is present must be clearly exhibited at the entrance of the premises.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

This is the act that many owners are prosecuted under and Dave Koon Koon of Garden House Solicitors is an expert in assisting owners whose dogs are the subject of a Dangerous Dogs Act Order and also assisting victims of dangerous dog attacks.  

There are four breeds of dogs that are restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act because they have been bred for fighting the breeds are: pit-bull terrier, dogo argentinos, Japanese tosa and fila brasileios Owners of these dogs are obliged to have them registered, neutered, micro chipped and tattooed. These dogs also have to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places. It is not only these four restricted breeds that come within the provisions of the Dangerous Dogs Act. Section 3 of that Act states that the Dangerous Dogs Act applies to all breeds of dog and it makes it a criminal offence if your dog is not kept under control whilst out in a public place.  Conviction under this Act can have very serious consequences. Dogs can be destroyed and owners imprisoned or fined.

Town Police Clauses Act 1847 and Metropolitan Police Act 1839

It is illegal to allow an un-muzzled aggressive dog to be left at large or for a person to encourage a dog to attack or to put fear of being attacked into any person or animal on the street.

Animal Welfare Act

Under this Act owners are obliged by law to ensure that their animal is well cared for. This means that you must make sure that the animal has a suitable environment and diet and is able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns. You are also required to protect your animal from pain, suffering, injury and disease. You are also obliged to ensure your animal is housed with or apart from other animals where appropriate.

Dog Control Orders

These Orders come under the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005, there are 5 offences in the Dog Control Orders which are as follows:-

1. Failing to remove dog faeces;
2. Not keeping a dog on a lead;
3. Not putting a dog on a lead when asked to do so by an authorised officer;
4. Permitting a dog to enter land from which they are excluded;
5. Taking more than the specified number of dogs on to land.

The offences do not apply to guide dogs or working dogs in appropriate situations.

Dave Koon Koon of Garden House Solicitors has wide experience in protecting dogs who would otherwise be destroyed and also claiming compensation for the victims of dog attacks. He is very happy to discuss any aspect of dog ownership that may help you avoid any claims against you personally.  

You can contact him or I by calling 01992 422128 or by email to Dave@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk or Patricia@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

Connect with me on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter



www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

---

Tel: 01992 422 128

---

Email: info@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.