Dogs are known as man’s best friend for good reason and living with a four-legged friend can be extremely rewarding. However, for pet owners unware of these laws, it could also end up costing them a packet.
According to animal charity, PDSA, 28 percent of UK adults have a dog - that’s an estimated population of 10.6 million pet dogs. The PAW PDSA Animal Wellbeing report 2024 revealed the dog population has been growing steadily since 2011 when it was 8.2 million dogs.
While these tail-waggers offer a great source of companionship, owning a pet does of course come with a lot of responsibilities too. While keeping an animal well fed, healthy and loved are the first things people might consider when caring for a pet, there’s a lot more besides.
5. Dog fouling
Failure to clean up after your dog can result in an on-the-spot fine ranging between £50 and £80, depending on your local council. Refusal to pay the initial fine can lead to the case being taken to court, where you could be fined up to £1,000. Some councils also make it mandatory for owners to carry a poop scoop and disposable bag when walking dogs in a public place. | martinholden - stock.adobe.com
6. Banned dog breeds
In the UK, it is against the law to own a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro. The police or local council dog warden can take the dog away, even if it isn't acting dangerously. You can be given an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months (or both) for having a banned dog and the dog may also be destroyed. | Grigory Bruev - stock.adobe.com
7. Don’t be a noise nuisance
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, dog barking can be considered a statutory nuisance if it is intrusive and affects someone's quiet enjoyment of their property. If a complaint is made to the local council, they may serve a Noise Abatement Notice if they are satisfied a nuisance exists. Failure to comply with the notice can result in owners being prosecuted and fined. | kerkezz - stock.adobe.com
8. Upholding your duty of care
Section nine of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 places a duty of care on owners to ensure dogs have a suitable environment, a suitable diet, the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, to be housed with, or apart, from other animals, and to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease. Owners could be forced to pay penalties if these care needs are not met. | Eva - stock.adobe.com