Dog Law - A Dog Owner's Guide:

I Dog Laws I Dog Legislation Articles & News I

I Dog Owner's Literature & Information I Judicial Decisions-Case Law I

There are a wide variety of canine laws currently applicable to dogs and their owners. Do you know about which laws affect you as a dog owner? Here we take a look at some, but not all, of those currently in force in England & Wales and how they affect dog owners.

Where possible we have provided links to similar legislation affecting Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We hope that you find the information both interesting and informative. If you would like to submit information for inclusion - please contact us.

For information relating to prohibited dogs - the breed specific component of the Dangerous Dogs Act Legislation - please click here.

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.

Dog Laws:

Welfare & Protection of Dogs - the Animal Welfare Act places a duty of care on all dog owners.

Dog Control Orders & Bye-laws - local authority control orders which affect dog owners.

Stray Dogs - seizure and detainment by local authorities. Lost and found dogs.

Dog Identification - legal requirement for owner identification on dog.

Dangerous Dogs Act - Section Three - criminal action which can be applied to any dog of any breed or type, in England & Wales. Section Three of the Act refers to the keeping of dogs under proper control.

Dogs Act 1871 - a civil complaint heard at a Magistrates’ Court, the Act can be applied to both public and private places and looks at whether a dog is dangerous.

Dangerous Dogs - unmuzzled ferocious dogs at large

Guard Dogs - the use of guard dogs.

Livestock Protection - protection of livestock on agricultural land.

Civil Liability - the Animals Act 1971 relates to liability for damage caused by dogs.

Dog Fouling & Barking Dogs - abatement notice can be issued for nuisance. Dog fouling-owner responsibility.

Breeding of Dogs - requirement for local authority issued licence and regulations.

Dogs on the Road - dogs on leash, reporting accidents and motorway breakdowns.

Dog Law News, Articles, Letters:

The Bateson Report - After a ten month long inquiry into dog breeding, Professor Sir Patrick Bateson FRS called for a non-statutory Advisory Council on Dog Breeding, changes in the law including a requirement for all puppies to be micro-chipped prior to sale, and an up-graded Accredited Breeder Scheme. Jan. 2010

Animal Welfare Codes - DEFRA have published new animal welfare codes which provide owners and keepers with information on how to meet the welfare needs of their animals, as required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which was introduced in April 2007. December 2009

DEFRA Press Release - Getting tough on irresponsible dog owners. June 2008

Control of Dogs (Scotland) Bill - Alex Neil is a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) standing for Central Scotland. He has produced a proposal to 'modernise the law on dangerous dogs' and is asking for groups and individuals to contact him with their opinions, questions and comments regarding his proposal. Your dog may be affected! January 2008

Education and Understanding Is Crucial - EDDR Statement 4 Jan 2008 In response to the fatal dog attack in Yorkshire on 28th December

Letter to the Times Newspaper - by Kendal Shepherd MRCVS, following tragic fatal dog attack, Jan 2008

Lucy the Dachshund is cleared. Facing a possible death sentence under the Dangerous Dogs Act, eleven months later the Magistrates Court finds her not guilty. September 2007

Dogs & the Law - an article which looks at dogs and the law, reproduced here with permission from Dr. Roger Mugford at the Company of Animals. June 2007

Animal Welfare Bill becomes law - The Animal Welfare Bill received Royal Assent on 8th November 2006, having completed all stages through Parliament. It is now known as the Animal Welfare Act 2006. April 2007

EDDR Canine legislation update - Clean Neighbourhoods and Environmental Bill. March 2005

Dogs Act 1871 & DDA offences - during 1997, 1998, 1999. The number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates courts and convicted at all courts for offences under the Dogs Act 1871 and Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, by police force area, England and Wales.

Pet Markets - MP Questions Minister on Government proposals that would re-introduce markets selling domestic and wild-caught animals, birds and reptiles.