DOGS AND THE LAW

What do you know about your dog and the law?

You are breaking the law if you allow your dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place. This is obviously the case if it attacks and injures someone. But did you know that it may be classed as such if it behaves in a way that makes someone worried that it may injure them? Not everyone is confident around dogs so it's worth bearing in mind that even a friendly dog can appear threatening if it is barking at someone who is scared of dogs.

Unfortunately, some dogs just don't get on, and one dog attacking another may be seen as an offence. So if your dog doesn't mix well with others, it may be best to keep him on a lead at certain times. It is common for people to get bitten trying to separate dog fights. Most of these times, the dog never intends to bite the person. This accident however, may still be seen as an aggressive act and therefore be an offence.

The pit bull terrier, japenese tosa, dogo argentine and the fila braziliero are all considered to have been bred specifically to be fighting dogs and are banned in this country.

The law states that when in a public place, your dog must wear a collar with your name and address on it. This is cheap and easy and yet so many dogs go without. Tags that only have the dogs name on them have limited value.

Now let's talk about poo! It is unsightly, smelly, irritating when you get it on your shoe, and potentially very dangerous. Dog faeces can carry the parasite toxocara, which can cause serious health problems in children. This is why local authorities can designate areas where it is an offence if an owner fails to dispose of their dogs faeces. Please bag it and bin it!

This is by no means an exhaustive list of regulations but it may just help to keep your pooch on the right side of the law!

By Jenny Jones BVM&S MRCVS, vet at Borrajo's veterinary clinics