Local Environmental Quality: How to be a responsible dog owner
Department of the Environment
The Scottish Office
The Welsh Office
KEEPING YOUR PET HEALTHY
REGISTER YOUR DOG WITH YOUR LOCAL VET
Don't wait for an emergency. Details will be in the Yellow Pages
For additional information or advice on the following, consult your vet or pharmacist.
VACCINATIONS AND WORMING
Every dog should be protected against potentially fatal diseases.- First vaccinations are given at about eight weeks. Puppies should not be allowed on the street or mix with other animals until your vet advises.
- Always keep your dog's vaccination certificates. You may need them in the future.
- Regular booster vaccinations are necessary, at least once a year.
- Roundworm and tapeworm (intestinal parasites) can affect dogs at any age, so they should be treated regularly for worms. Worms can cause sickness and diarrhoea in young animals but adult dogs may show no signs. Worming is easy, effective and costs little using a worming preparation obtained from your pharmacist, vet or pet shop. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Adult dogs should be wormed at least every 6 months. Pregnant bitches and bitches with young puppies should be wormed more frequently. It is essential that puppies are wormed when they are about 2 weeks old and then treated at regular intervals until they are at least 6 months old. Always seek veterinary advice before worming your puppy.
GROOMING
It is important to keep your dog clean by grooming at least once a week and bathing sporadically. Start at puppy stage so it becomes a pleasure not a chore.
FLEAS
If your dog gets fleas treat him with a reliable spray, dusting powder, or wash. Also clean the areas your dog uses and sleeps in.
NEUTERING
Unless you are sure you want your bitch to have puppies and you can find good homes for them, you should have her spayed. Your vet will also be able to give you details on hormonal control of seasons. Ask your vet about whether your dog should be neutered.
DOGS AND THE LAW
Dog owners and non-dog owners have the right to live side-by-side. There are, however, several rules which should be followed. Most are straightforward and many are concerned with safeguarding the environment - for the benefit of everybody.
ALL DOGS MUST WEAR A COLLAR AND CLEARLY-DISPLAYED TAG
The tag must bear the name and address of the dog's owner.
LOCAL DOG CONTROL MEASURES
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 has replaced the dog byelaw system and Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 with powers to make Dog Control Orders. Primary and secondary authorities (local authorities and, principally, parish councils) can make Dog Control Orders in relation to 5 dog control matters, including dog fouling, dog ban areas, dogs on leads, putting and keeping a dog on lead under supervision and multiple dog walking restrictions. Though Dog Control Orders do not need confirmation by the Secretary of State, they can only be introduced after completing the procedure prescribed in the Dog Control Order (Procedures) Regulations 2006, which includes a period of local consultation and notification in local press. The maximum fine upon conviction for a Dog Control Order offence is £1000, and Fixed Penalty Notices may also be issued.
Though section 65 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 repealed the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, legislative savings were made to preserve the offence but only in respect of land designated under the 1996 Act prior to its repeal. So local authorities who designated land under the 1996 Act prior to 6 April 2006 can continue enforcing the offence. Authorised officers of local authorities can issue fixed penalty notices fixed at £50 and/or seek prosecution where a fine of up to £1000 may be given upon conviction. Similarly, no byelaws can be made by local authorities or parish councils for those matters capable of being prescribed in a dog control order (which are mentioned in the previous paragraph). But byelaws made before 6 April 2006 will continue to have effect until they are either revoked or replaced with a dog control order.
COUNTRYSIDE CODE
The main countryside rule is - DOGS MUST NEVER WORRY LIVESTOCK. Even letting your dog walk in the same field as farm animals may be considered as "worrying". Remember the farmer is entitled to kill your dog if it is worrying livestock.
DANGEROUS DOGS
Dogs bred for fighting, such as pit bull terriers, must be kept on a lead by someone who is sixteen or over and muzzled in public. No-one may keep these breeds without registering them with the police.
STRAY DOGS
You must keep your dog under control at all times. Make sure you know the telephone number for your local authority so that you can contact the dog warden if your dog goes missing. The local authority has the responsibility to collect strays and will charge you for kenneling a dog, so act quickly to ensure you aren't put to unnecessary expense. If a dog is not claimed within seven days the authority has the right to find him a new home, or destroy him.
Going on holiday. When you give your dog to the person who will be caring for him while you are away, make sure you also give them the number of your local authority in case he strays.
PENALTIES
Penalties for breaking dog rules can be tough and in extreme cases may allow for the destruction of the dog. The courts and police have a range of powers to deal with offenders. For example, owners who allow their dogs to get dangerously out of control - can be imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact your local dog warden at your local council office or call the Pet Advisory Committee.
WHAT ALL DOG OWNERS SHOULD KNOW
Owning a dog brings great happiness but is also a lifelong responsibility to the dog. You will need to care for him properly and responsibly including staying within the law. This leaflet gives some essential tips to current and prospective dog owners.
DECIDING TO GET A DOG
Before getting a dog, consider the following:
LIFESTYLE
Do you have the time, suitable accommodation and willingness to care properly for a dog?
ENVIRONMENT
Are there suitable facilities near you to exercise a dog?
BUDGET
Dogs need a nutritionally balanced diet and will have to visit the vet for vaccinations and possible emergencies. Do you need additional insurance to cover vet bills or in case your pet causes an accident or damage to property? Can your budget cope with these costs?
TRAINING
A well trained dog is a happy dog and, he will not be a nuisance to others if he's under control. You must never allow your dog to be dangerously out of control-he must not injure anyone or frighten anyone into thinking that they might be injured, it is an offence to let your dog behave in this way.
WHEN DO I START?
Preferably when he is a puppy. It's never too late to train but an older dog may need professional help from a dog training class. The Kennel Club can supply a list of clubs or look in your local newspaper or ask at your vet or library.
HOW DO I START?
The basic first lessons are:- walk beside you on and off the lead "heel"
- stay when told "sit" or "sit and stay"
- come when called "come"
- toilet training "clean" or "busy"
CORRECTIONS AND REWARDS
Dogs learn by linking actions and results so if you praise your dog immediately after he does something well, he'll learn to repeat it to get the same result.
TOILET TRAINING
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Dog owners should not allow their pets to foul indiscriminately in public areas (see 'Dogs and the Law'). Toilet training at puppy stage is therefore vital. If, however, your dog should foil in a public place, be prepared to use a "poop-scoop" to clean up the mess.
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12 BASIC TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP
- Train your dog in elementary obedience
- Feed your dog at regular times and with a nutritionally balanced diet.
- Feed your dog from his own dish.
- Keep your dog on a lead anywhere near a road, or where there are other animals.
- Train your dog not to foul in public places - if it does, "Scoop the poop"!
- Remember your dog's bark can be a nuisance.
- Provide your dog with his own bed.
- Never take your dog into a food shop - always tie its lead to a post.
- Keep your dog clean and regularly groomed.
- If you do not want your dog to have puppies, obtain advice from your vet.
- Make sure someone is caring for your dog when you go on holiday and that he knows the local dog warden's telephone number.
- Register your pet with a vet of your choice.
FURTHER HELP & ADVICE ON ASPECTS OF RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP
PET ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1 Dean's Yard London SW1P 3NR
Tel: 020 7255 5489
A list of other relevant organisations is available from the above address.
Page published
1999
Page last modified
12 March, 2008