Responsible dog ownership

Owning a dog comes with many responsibilities, including legal obligations, which all owners should be aware of.

Training

All dogs should be properly trained to ensure they do not become a nuisance, both out in public and within the home. Puppy socialisation is very important and many training classes will hold specific puppy training events.

Health

It is very important that dogs are kept vaccinated and wormed and that they receive veterinary care should they become ill or injured.

Neutering is recommended as this prevents unwanted litters, can reduce certain behaviours and eliminates many potential health implications.

Care

All owners have responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, to ensure that the needs of their dogs are met. 

Identification

By law, all dogs in the UK must be microchipped. Puppies must now be microchipped by eight weeks of age. Breeders will be responsible for microchipping and must be recorded as the first keeper. The recorded keepers (who the dog lives with) must keep their contact details up to date on a government compliant data base. 

Having these details up to date is crucial in reuniting dogs with their owners should they become missing or lost. 

Dogs must also wear a collar when in public, with the owner’s name and address (including post code) on it, or engraved on a tag. If a dog is found in a public place not displaying a tag or badge with owners’ details displayed the owner may face criminal prosecution and a fine.

If a dog without a microchip comes to the attention of authorities, its keeper may be served a notice giving 21 days to get them microchipped. Failure to comply with this notice may result in criminal prosecution and a fine oof up to £500.

Dog fouling

All owners have a responsibility to ensure any waste is correctly disposed of. More information can be found on our dog fouling page.

Public Space Protection Orders

We consulted on a Public space protection order (PSPO) to promote responsible dog ownership. The PSPO was approved by the council’s Cabinet on 30 October 2019.

The PSPO includes the following measures:

• Prevention of dog fouling on public land. The Fixed Penalty Notice for dog fouling is now £100
• Dogs to be excluded from enclosed children’s play areas.
• Requiring people to have dog bags or the means to pick up after their dog.
• Require people to put dogs that are causing a nuisance, or are out of control, on a lead when requested by an authorised officer

Anyone who breaches the PSPOs may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100.  There is also a maximum fine of £1000 if the case reaches the Magistrates’ Court.

Find out more about public space protection orders.