To ensure that your dog is a paw-lite and responsible member of society, it’s important to know and comply with dog laws.
Whether you’re a new pet parent or an experienced dog owner, staying informed is crucial for the safety and well-being of your furry friend and others.
Here’s a guide to some of the most important dog laws:
Microchipping
Since April 2016, it’s been a legal requirement for all dogs in the UK to be microchipped from eight weeks old. The microchip must be registered with the owner’s current contact details and kept up to date. This helps reunite lost dogs with their owners quickly and efficiently. If you forget to microchip your dog, you can be fined up to £500.
It is also a legal requirement for dogs to wear a dog tag on their collar, when outside of their home. The details on this tag must state the name and address of the dog’s owner.
Dog Control Orders
Local councils in the UK can issue Dog Control Orders (DCOs) which cover issues such as dog fouling, keeping dogs on leads and stopping dogs from going into certain areas. They can also be used to restrict the number of dogs that can be walked at a time.
It’s important to be aware of these local orders and comply with them to avoid fines. Look out for signs in parks and public spaces which will detail the local rules to follow.
Dog Fouling
With around one in four households owning a dog in the UK, it’s estimated that this amounts to around 350,000 Tonnes of waste each year. Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, it’s an offense to not clean up after your dog in public places. Dog waste can cause illness in livestock and wildlife.
Dog owners can face fines ranging from £50 to £1,000 for failing to pick up their dog's poop. Always carry poo bags and dispose of waste properly to keep your community clean and safe.
Noise Complaints
Don’t let your dog drive neighbours barking mad. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, excess barking can be a "statutory noise nuisance" and an owner could be taken to court if it’s not sorted out.
Leash Laws
While there is no nationwide requirement for dogs to always be on a lead, they must be under control in public places, if they are not, and resultantly injure someone or make someone worried that they may be injured by them, you could be fined or prosecuted.
In some areas, specific leash laws may be in place, particularly in parks, beaches, and nature reserves. If your dog is “mutts” about the beach, for instance, always check if summer restrictions are in place which tend to be from around 1 May to 30 September.
Livestock
The law states that dogs should not ‘worry’ livestock. This includes dogs being out of control and chasing livestock, like cattle, sheep and goats. The Countryside Code also states that dogs should be on lead around livestock.
Dog owners should be particularly wary of farm animals with their young, as they can see dogs as a threat. The only time you can legitimately let your dog off the lead is if you feel threatened by livestock or horses. In this scenario, the government allows you to let your dog off so both of you can reach safety more easily.
Be warned, the maximum fine for a dog owner allowing their animal to disturb livestock is up to £1,000, and it’s also not a countryside myth that farmers are allowed to shoot dogs they believe are worrying livestock on their land.
Dangerous Dogs Act
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits the ownership, breeding, sale, exchanging of, giving away of or abandoning of certain breeds deemed dangerous, without a valid exemption certificate. These include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. Owners of these breeds must comply with strict regulations, including muzzling and leashing in public, and obtaining a court exemption order. This list was updated in 2024 to also include the XL Bully.
Dogs in Vehicles
Leaving dogs in vehicles, especially in hot weather, can be extremely dangerous and while there’s no specific law against it, owners can be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 if their pet were to become ill, or even worse die, while trapped in a car.
The RSPCA advises that cars can quickly become ovens. It uses the example of a summer’s day in the low 20 degrees Celsius range, which within an hour can reach temperatures inside the car of 47 degrees.
Planning on driving with your dog in the car? The Highway Code (Rule 57) states that they must be suitably restrained, whilst inside the vehicle. If they are not, they could distract the driver, which could increase risk of injury to themselves or other passengers, if you were to stop the car quickly.
Tail Docking and Ear Cropping
There is specific legislation to outlaw these practices and thankfully we do not see many dogs today with docked tails or cropped ears. Breaking the law can result in a large fine and a possible prison sentence.
Insurance Requirements
While not a legal requirement, having pet insurance is highly recommended. Pet insurance can cover unexpected veterinary costs, third-party liability and other expenses. Some local authorities or housing associations might require proof of insurance as part of their pet policies.
For more information on pet care and insurance, explore our helpful resources, which are designed to help you and your furry friend live your best lives together.
