Owning a dog involves much more than playing fetch and going on long walks - it carries huge responsibility.
As well as handling the day-to-day needs of pups and ensuring they are well cared for, there are strict rules that all dog owners are required to follow by law.
If you already own a dog, or are planning to welcome a furry friend into your home, here are 10 laws you need to know about and the fines you will face if you fall foul of the rules.
Failure to clean up after your dog can result in an on-the-spot fine between £50 and £80, depending on your local council. Refusal to pay can lead to the case being taken to court, where you could be fined up to £1,000. Some councils have stricter rules and may make it mandatory for owners to carry a poop scoop and disposable bag when walking dogs in public. Photo: Shutterstock
6. Banned dog breeds
In the UK, it is against the law to own a Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino or a Fila Brasileiro. If you own one of these breeds, the police or local council dog warden can take it away and keep it, even if it isn't acting dangerously. The maximum fine for having a banned dog is £5000 and/or six months in prison, and the dog may be destroyed. Photo: Shutterstock
7. Nuisance dog barking
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 an abatement notice can result in the owners being prosecuted and fined. Photo: Shutterstock
8. Upholding your duty of care
Section nine of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 places a duty of care on owners to ensure they take reasonable steps to care for their pet by providing a suitable environment and diet, housing and protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease. The Animal Health & Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) make similar provisions, with owners forced to pay penalties if these care needs are not met. Photo: Shutterstock
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