If you own a dog, it’s worth knowing what your legal obligations are. They’re not always what you think!
Microchipping
It is a legal requirement in the UK that puppies are microchipped and registered online by the time they are eight weeks old. Given that the law also states that puppies cannot be sold until they are eight weeks old, all puppies should be microchipped prior to their sale to new owners.
Lucy’s Law came out on 6th April 2020, and makes it a legal requirement that puppies are sold from the place they were born and raised, and be seen interacting with their mother. Therefore, don’t buy a puppy if it is not chipped, or you haven’t seen where it was raised with it’s mother, as the breeder is breaking the law and may be lying about other aspects of the puppies care.
The chips must be registered to the breeder initially, and then the details transferred to the new owner at the point of sale. Again, if the breeder just wants to give you the chip details for you to register yourself- beware, as they are evading the dog breeders regulations and could be puppy farmers operating illegally.
You then have an obligation to make sure that the chip registration details remain up to date, so don’t forget to update them if you change your phone number or move house. Not to mention that out-of-date chip details mean that if your dog goes missing, the finders may not be able to trace you, and your dog may end up being rehomed at the other end of the country, or even being put to sleep.
Collar tags
Legally, your dog must show your surname and address on it’s collar or tag. It’s also a good idea to put a contact phone number, and the words ‘I’m chipped’ so a finder is reminded to get the chip scanned.
Fouling
You are obliged to pick up your dogs faeces when walking in public places. This originally was enforceable only if you were spotted failing to do this by a warden. However, many areas of the UK now require you to be able to show proof that you pick up after your dog, and can fine you up to £100 for failing to show that you are carrying poo bags. It’s good advice to carry 2 or more bags, so that you always have a spare!
Car Travel
According to section 57 of the Highway Code, Dogs must be safely restrained while travelling in the car, either using a pet seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard. Failure to comply can lead to being fined up to £5,000 for driving ‘without due care and attention’. Having a dog restrained on the passenger seat can also lead to prosecution and is dangerous if the car has a passenger airbag.
Third Party Liability
Dog owners are legally responsible for the actions of their dog, including any damage to third party property. Interestingly, if a dog is off the lead and gets hit by a car, it is the owner of the dog that is responsible because they do not have control of their dog. The dog owner is therefore responsible for any damage to the car, NOT the other way around!
Bernice Fitzmaurice
Riverside Vet Care
