Legal Responsibilities of Dog Owners in the UK

As a dog owner in the UK, you will have a number of legal responsibilities. These laws are intended to ensure the safety and well-being of your dog, the general public, and other animals, so worth understanding at a basic level.

Under the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015, all dogs over the age of eight weeks must be microchipped and their information kept up to date in a government-approved database. This is used to identify lost or stray dogs and tracing their owners. Microchipping is a quick and straightforward process most vets will be able to perform for a relatively low fee, so there is no excuse not to do so. Dogs in public places must also wear a collar displaying their owner’s name and address, or the owner’s contact details engraved on a tag attached to the collar. Certain exemptions do exist for working dogs, but as a general rule we always recommend ensuring that your dog wears a collar with your contact details attached to it.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the Control of Dogs Order 1992 stipulate that all dogs in public must remain under “proper control”. While what this actually means is vague, it is best to exercise caution and keep your dog on a leash in public unless it is well-socialised and properly trained with excellent recall. Breeds which are currently banned (American Pitbull type dogs, the Tosa Inu, Fila Brasileiro, and Dogo Argentino) must always be kept on a lead and muzzled when in public, as well as registered and neutered. If your dog injures another person or another animal, you may be liable for damages and face legal or civil consequences. The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 and local bylaws demand owners clean up after their dogs when they defecate in public places, with failure being a fineable offence.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, dog owners have an absolute duty of care which covers providing adequate food, water, shelter, and medical care, as well as ensuring they live in suitable conditions and are protected from harm. The “Five Freedoms” provides an excellent framework owners can use to help understand their welfare responsibilities, and is a starting point we often refer our clients to.

Is it of paramount importance that you and your family familiarise yourselves with these laws and regulations. Failure to comply with them can result in fines, civil court cases, and even criminal prosecutions. While they may seem onerous, they ultimately exist to promote animal welfare and keep everyone as safe as possible, both humans and animals. As starting points go, this legislation is as good as any to ensure responsible ownership and dog welfare.