Dog laws are designed to ensure the safety and happiness of you, your dog, and those around you. For most people, simply being a responsible pet owner means they’re already following the law. However, understanding these regulations is important-and sometimes essential-for protecting our pets.
These laws go beyond just criminal offences like animal cruelty or worrying livestock. They also cover many aspects of your dog’s life, including breeding, walking, boarding kennels, and microchipping.
Navigating dog laws can be confusing, as there are many rules that might affect dog owners-some of which you may not even know about. We’ve highlighted some of the key laws that impact dog owners, but this list isn’t exhaustive, and regulations can change frequently. Always check the specific rules that apply in your local area.
If you’re concerned you might have broken a dog law or need legal advice, it’s best to consult a lawyer-preferably one who specialises in dog law-for detailed guidance and support.
Animal Welfare Acts
The Animal Welfare Acts cover a wide range of issues relating to animal care and protection, with a primary focus on ensuring the wellbeing of your dog.
Your Dog’s Welfare Needs
Every dog owner is responsible for meeting their pet’s five welfare needs by law. These include:
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A suitable environment
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A proper diet
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The ability to express normal behaviour
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Appropriate companionship
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Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease
Providing these essentials helps your dog live a happy and healthy life. Failure to meet these needs can negatively impact your dog’s wellbeing and, in severe cases, may be classified as neglect or cruelty, which can lead to prosecution.
Cruelty and Neglect
The Acts make it illegal to cause an animal unnecessary suffering. This includes:
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Deliberate cruelty (e.g., intentionally harming an animal)
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Neglect (e.g., failing to meet the dog’s welfare needs)
The legislation also forbids certain harmful practices such as:
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Mutilations and prohibited surgeries (e.g., ear cropping)
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Tail docking
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Dog fighting
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Poisoning
Anyone found allowing their dog to suffer can face criminal charges, which may result in fines, imprisonment, or bans on keeping animals.
Finn’s Law and Recent Legislative Changes
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Finn’s Law (2019) protects service animals by preventing attackers from claiming self-defence.
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From 29 June 2021, the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty increased from six months to five years, alongside unlimited fines.
If you suspect animal cruelty or neglect, report it to:
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RSPCA (England and Wales)
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SSPCA (Scotland)
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USPCA (Northern Ireland)
Shock Collars
In Wales, it is illegal to fit an electric shock collar on a dog. These collars, sometimes used for training, can cause pain or stress if misused or even when used as intended.
Shock collars remain legal in the rest of the UK, but both the English and Scottish governments are reviewing legislation to ban their sale and use. We strongly advise against using shock collars or any negative training methods, as reward-based training is far more effective and humane.
Breeding and Getting a Puppy
Dog breeding laws aim to protect the health and welfare of breeding dogs and ensure puppies have the best start in life.
Licensing Requirements
Anyone running a business that breeds and sells dogs must have a dog breeding licence. This applies to:
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Breeding three or more litters per year in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland
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Breeding three or more litters per year in Scotland (changed from five or more from September 2021)
Breeders producing one or two litters annually may also require a licence if deemed to be operating a business by their local authority.
What to Check When Getting a Puppy
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Always verify the breeder has a valid licence and ask for licence details, including the licence number, which should be included in adverts.
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Licence holders must meet all welfare needs of breeding dogs and puppies, provide socialisation, have preventive healthcare plans agreed with a vet, and ensure dogs have toys and exercise.
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Puppies must not be sold before eight weeks of age or if they require veterinary treatment.
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In England, you can check a breeder’s star rating on your local council website; a five-star rating indicates higher welfare standards.
Reporting and Enforcement
If you suspect a breeder is unlicensed or violating licence conditions, report them to your local council. Offenders may face fines or imprisonment.
Since April 2020, the third-party sale of puppies and kittens is banned in England. Buyers must purchase directly from breeders or rehoming centres, and puppies must be sold from their place of birth. Similar laws will apply in Wales and Scotland from September 2021.
If you suspect a puppy is being kept in poor conditions (e.g., puppy farms), contact the RSPCA or SSPCA.
Life with Your Dog
Collar and ID Tag
By law, all dogs must wear a collar with an ID tag when in public. The tag must include the owner’s name and address, including postcode. This requirement applies whether your dog is on a lead or off it.
Microchipping
Since 2016, it is a legal requirement across the UK to have your dog microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old. Owners must keep their contact details up to date on one of the government-approved registers. When buying a dog, always ask for proof that a microchip has been implanted.
If your dog is found as a stray or scanned by a dog warden and is not microchipped, you have 21 days to get them chipped to avoid a fine. The police enforce microchipping legislation.
It’s important to check your dog’s microchip status when you bring them home and keep the details current throughout their life. If you’re unsure whether your dog is microchipped or don’t have their microchip details, your vet can check the chip and provide advice.
Cleaning Up After Your Dog
Dog fouling is a significant issue in many areas, and several laws require owners to clean up after their dogs in public spaces.
Local councils can introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), which may require dogs to be kept under control and mandate owners to clean up dog waste. In areas with PSPOs, failure to clean up after your dog can result in on-the-spot fines. Note that not noticing your dog fouling or not having a poo bag are not acceptable excuses.
Even where not legally required, cleaning up after your dog is important to keep public spaces clean and to prevent the spread of parasites harmful to people and other animals.
Restricted Access
Dogs are not allowed everywhere. In England and Wales, councils can use PSPOs to require dogs to be kept on a lead in certain areas, limit the number of dogs a person can bring, or ban dogs from specific locations. These areas will be clearly marked with signs.
Damage Caused by Dogs
Dog owners can be held responsible for damage their dogs cause to people, property (including vehicles), or other animals. Liability rules can be complex, so it’s advisable to research this further if needed.
Taking out third-party insurance is strongly recommended to cover potential costs if your dog causes damage or injury.
Out of Control Dogs
You must keep your dog “under control” in public places. This usually means keeping your dog close or on a lead. If off-lead, your dog should respond reliably to voice commands.
It is a criminal offence to allow your dog to be “dangerously out of control” in any place, including private property. This includes chasing or attacking people or animals, or behaving in a way that makes others fear injury. Both the owner and the person in charge of the dog can be charged.
Consequences may include fines, compensation payments, and costs. If your dog injures someone, it may be seized by police and could be destroyed.
Good training and caution-such as keeping your dog on a lead around unfamiliar dogs-are essential to prevent incidents.
Dogs and Livestock
If your dog attacks or chases livestock, or isn’t under close control (usually on a lead) during certain times or in specific countryside areas, you could face fines and be liable for compensation.
Farmers have the legal right to stop dogs threatening livestock, which can include killing dogs that are chasing or worrying farm animals. This makes it vital to keep your dog under control when walking in rural areas.
Noise
Excessive barking or howling can be considered a noise nuisance affecting neighbours and the community. Occasional barking is normal, but persistent noise may lead to complaints.
If your dog’s barking is problematic, your neighbours can report it to the local council. You may want to seek advice on managing unwanted behaviours.
Boarding Your Dog
All boarding kennels, including doggy daycares and home boarding services, must be licensed by the local council.
When choosing a kennel, check for a valid licence and, in England, look for a five-star rating as a sign of higher standards.
If you find an unlicensed boarding facility, report it to your local council, as it means the establishment has not been inspected for welfare standards.
Remember: If you’re concerned you might have broken a dog law or need legal advice, it’s best to consult a lawyer-preferably one who specialises in dog law-for detailed guidance and support. For more information, view the PDSA guidance here.