Dog Owners - Legal Requirements
- Di Morgan
- Aug 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Your Responsibilities as an Owner
Microchipping Requirements
Microchipping of dogs has been compulsory in England, Scotland, and Wales since April 6, 2016.
The key requirements are:
All dogs must be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks
The microchip must be implanted by a trained professional
The dog's details must be registered on a government-approved database
The owner's contact information must be kept up-to-date on the database
Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the microchipping requirement:
If a veterinarian certifies that a dog should not be microchipped for health reasons
Working dogs with docked tails may have different certification requirements
Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £500
In Northern Ireland, microchipping is required as part of the conditions for obtaining a dog license.
Proof of Legal Ownership
It's worth noting that while microchipping is mandatory, it does not constitute proof of legal ownership.
The person registered as the "keeper" on the microchip database is legally responsible for the dog, but may not necessarily be the legal owner.
Collar and Tag Requirements
In addition to microchipping, it remains a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar with an identification tag when in a public place. The tag must include:
The owner's name (at least surname)
The owner's address, including postcode
It's important to note that the collar and tag requirement applies even if the dog is microchipped. This provides an immediate way for someone to contact the owner if the dog is found.
Penalties
There is a legal penalty for not having a tag on your dog in the UK.
According to the Control of Dogs Order 1992, it is a legal requirement for dogs to wear a collar with an identification tag when in a public place.
Failure to comply with this law can result in the following penalties:
1. You can be fined up to £5,000 if your dog does not wear an identification tag[1][2].
2. In more serious cases, pet owners could face up to six months imprisonment[3].
However, it's worth noting that in practice, the fines handed out are often lower than the maximum. For example, in 2018, an owner was fined £50, with £50 costs and a £30 victim surcharge when their Cocker Spaniel was found without a collar[3].
It's important to note that this requirement applies even if your dog is microchipped. The law mandates both microchipping and wearing an identification tag[2]. This dual approach ensures that there are multiple ways to identify and return a lost dog to its owner.
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