There are over 20 pieces of legislation that apply to dog ownership in Britain, according to Blue Cross, a charity providing help to sick, injured and abandoned pets. Staying on the right side of the law ensures not only keeping out of legal trouble but also protects the health and wellbeing of your pet and the people that your animal comes into contact with.
Some of the worst offences come with the threat of hefty fines and potential prison sentences for dog owners or those in charge of the dog at the time. Other consequences include being banned from keeping a pet and the potential that the dog must be destroyed.
Of course, most people want the best for their four, or possibly three, legged friend but what if the worst happens and it results in an owner being forced to have their dog destroyed. What are those circumstances? Here's what you need to know.
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Courts can order dangerous dogs to be destroyed. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, section 3, states that dogs must not be allowed to be dangerously out of control.
To be judged as 'out of control', the animal may have injured someone, made someone worry it could injure them, or attacked another animal. The law applies to all dogs and it doesn’t matter where the incident happened - it could be a public location or private place such as a someone's home.
If a court decides that the dog should be put to sleep and you disagree, you can appeal the decision. Once an appeal is submitted, the dog won’t be destroyed until a decision on the appeal is made.
As already indicated a dog must not be out of control and that applies when they are with humans and other animals. So take care when walking your pet whether in the city or countryside.
A walk in the countryside can be a lovely pastime but remember that if you're walking close to farmland, you are walking in someone's workplace and the livestock you see around you are someone's livelihood. A dog worrying sheep, cattle, goats, swine, horses or poultry on agricultural land can lead to a fine - up to £1,000. Also be aware that a farmer can shoot dogs that they believe are worrying livestock on their land according to (section 1 Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953). While this legal defence stands if should be a last resort.
Illegal breeds
Four types of dogs are illegal to own, breed, sell, abandon or give away. The four banned types are the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino, and fila Braziliero.
According to Blue Cross: "These four types are defined by what they look like, not by the dog’s breed, the dog’s parents’ breeds, DNA testing or behaviour." Adding that "Since the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997, owners who have been told their dog is one of these types can apply to the court for an exemption order. This means that dogs that look illegal can undergo a behavioural assessment which, if they pass, proves they are no danger to society. If a dog fails this test, they will be euthanised."
It adds: "Dogs who pass the exemption process must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public at all times. Owners must also take out third party liability insurance for their pets."
According to the government website: "It’s your responsibility to prove your dog is not a banned type. If you prove this, the court will order the dog to be returned to you. If you cannot prove it (or you plead guilty), you’ll be convicted of a crime." It adds: "You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to 6 months (or both) for having a banned dog against the law. Your dog will also be destroyed. "
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