Canine Law - Information Guide for dog owners.

Dog Law - Dog Control Orders:

Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005:

Part 6 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 relates to dogs and became law in April 2006.

Under this Act local authorities and parish councils in England and Wales have been given the powers to introduce new Dog Control Orders (DCO’s) in their own public areas.

A DCO can be introduced after completing the procedures designated, which include consultation and notification in the local press.

Existing bye-laws will remain in force until revoked or replaced and new bye-laws can still be made as long as they relate to offences other than those shown below.

Areas of land which are ‘open to the air’ (it is open to the air if open on at least one side) and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access, with or without payment, can be designated, some areas are exempted.

Orders can relate to the following matters;

• 1) fouling of land by dogs and the removal of dog faeces

• 2) the keeping of dogs on leads (the length can be specified)

• 3) putting and keeping, a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer (the length can be specified)

• 4) the exclusion of dogs from land

• 5) the number of dogs which a person may take on to any land

Open spaces, parks etc in your area could become subject to a dog control order, limiting your use as a dog owner.

The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 is repealed by this Act.

You can be fined up to £1000 for breach of a dog control order or a fixed penalty may be offered as an alternative.

Dog owners will need to contact their local authority to see what dog control orders have been passed or are being proposed in their area.

Legislation:

Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005

Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003

Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 (repealed)

The information contained here does not constitute legal advice in and of itself. You must contact a Solicitor for advice before acting upon anything that you read on this web site.

For help with finding a solicitor who has experience with canine legislation - please contact us.

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