Dog owners are being warned against walking their pets without a tag on their collar. Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, people who walk their dogs without the correct information on their pet's collar can be hit with a £2,000 fine.
The order states all dogs must have their owner's name and address displayed on their tag when in a public place, such as out for a walk. However, owners can decide whether they want to put their phone number on them as well.
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A statement from the Blue Cross reads: "Even if your dog is microchipped, they still need to wear a collar or tag. Exemptions apply for some working dogs.
"We recommend you add your mobile number so you can be contacted at any time in case your dog goes missing."
Those who go against the rules, or fail to update their dog's details if they move house, could be fined up to £2,000.
Owners could also land themselves another £500 fine or criminal prosecution if they do not microchip and register their dog on an approved database.
The Blue Cross statement adds: "Puppies must be microchipped before they go to their new homes, with the breeder being the first registered keeper.
"They are breaking the law if they do not register the puppy by the time they are eight-weeks-old.
"Breeders should also pass on correct microchip paperwork to the new owner when the puppy goes home.
"The law applies to dogs and puppies over the age of eight weeks. Exemptions are available if a vet believes there is a valid health reason not to microchip a dog.
"The vet must issue the owner with a certificate of exemption in this instance.
"Owners are required to keep their pets’ details up to date, for example if they move house.
"If you rehome your dog to someone else, you must give the new owner the correct microchip registration paperwork so that they can contact the database and register as the dog’s new owner."
Despite the law threatening fines of up to £2,000 for walking a dog without a correct tag, those caught out usually end up paying around £200.
In 2018, a dog who was picked up without a collar on near Sapcote, East Midlands, leaving their owner a fine of £50, with £50 costs and a £30 victim surcharge for admitting the offence.
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