Dogs and the Law.

Does your dog need a license, should it be chipped are you buying it from a reputable breeder and is it covered under the Dangerous Dogs Act?

Dog Ownership and the Law

Dog owners have legal responsibilities for the welfare, identification and control of their dogs. The rules cover microchipping, collars and identity tags, breeding, selling puppies, dangerous dogs and keeping dogs under proper control in public and private places.

The law can differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. For example, dog licences were abolished in Great Britain in 1987, but Northern Ireland still has a dog licensing system. If you are unsure which rules apply, you should check the local authority guidance or seek legal advice.

Dog Licences

Dog licences are no longer required in England, Wales or Scotland. They were abolished in Great Britain in 1987. However, Northern Ireland has different rules and dog owners there usually need a dog licence.

There have been calls from animal welfare organisations for dog licensing or stronger dog ownership regulation to be reintroduced. Still, there is currently no general dog licence requirement in England, Wales or Scotland.

Microchipping Dogs

All dogs in the UK must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by the time they are 8 weeks old. The keeper's contact details must also be kept up to date on the database.

If a dog is not microchipped when required, or the registered details are not kept up to date, the keeper may be required to have the dog microchipped or update the details. Failure to comply can lead to a fine of up to £500.

Collars and Identity Tags

Dogs should wear a collar and an identification tag when in public places. The tag should usually show the owner's name and address. Many owners also include a phone number, although care should be taken not to include unnecessary personal information.

Microchipping does not replace the requirement for a collar and identity tag in public. A dog that is not properly identified may be treated as a stray, and the owner may face enforcement action.

Breeding Dogs

Dog breeding is regulated. In England, a breeding licence may be required where a person breeds 3 or more litters of puppies in 12 months, or breeds dogs and advertises a business of selling dogs. Local authorities are responsible for licensing and inspection.

Breeders must meet welfare standards designed to protect dogs and puppies. Puppies should not normally be sold before they are 8 weeks old, and buyers should be given accurate information about the puppy, including its health, care, and welfare needs.

If you are planning to breed dogs, you should contact your local council before doing so. Operating without a required licence can lead to prosecution, fines and other enforcement action.

Animal Welfare Responsibilities

Dog owners and keepers must meet their dogs' welfare needs. This includes providing a suitable environment, proper diet, the ability to behave normally, appropriate companionship or separation from other animals, and protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

If a dog's welfare needs are not met, the owner may face investigation, enforcement action, prosecution, a ban on keeping animals or removal of the dog in serious cases.

Keeping Dogs Under Control

Dogs must be kept under proper control. Owners can be held responsible if their dog is dangerously out of control in public places or in certain private places, including homes and gardens. This can apply even if the dog does not actually bite someone, if there are reasonable grounds for fear that it may injure a person.

Owners should also clean up after their dogs in public places, follow local dog control orders and comply with any lead requirements, particularly around livestock, roads, parks, beaches and protected areas.

Banned Dog Types

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 makes it illegal to own, breed, sell, exchange, give away or abandon certain banned dog types unless a valid exemption applies. The banned types include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and XL Bully-type dogs.

The law looks at whether a dog is a banned type, not simply its breed name. This means crossbreeds and dogs with similar physical characteristics may be covered. If there is any doubt about whether a dog may be a banned type, legal advice should be obtained before buying, selling, rehoming or keeping the dog.

Getting Advice

If you are unsure about dog ownership rules, breeding requirements, dangerous dog restrictions or enforcement action by a local authority or the police, it is sensible to get advice quickly. Animal welfare charities, vets, local councils and solicitors may all be able to provide guidance depending on the issue.

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