Did you know…….
…. You must have a lead with you at all times, otherwise you could fall foul of the law, if you cannot control your dog.
That's why owning a doddle means
you always have a lead on your dog.
What the law says is.....
…… It’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, such as:
in a public place
in a private place, e.g. a neighbour’s house or garden
in the owner’s home
The law applies to all dogs.
Public Spaces Protection Orders
Some public areas in England and Wales are covered by Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) – previously called Dog Control Orders (DCOs).
In public areas with PSPOs, you may have to:
- keep your dog on a lead
- put your dog on a lead if told to by a police officer, police community support officer or someone from the council
- stop your dog going to certain places – like farmland or parts of a park
- limit the number of dogs you have with you (this applies to professional dog walkers too)
- clear up after your dog
PSPOs only apply to public land.
Penalties
If you ignore a PSPO, you can be fined:
£100 on the spot (a ‘Fixed Penalty Notice’), (up to £1,000 if it goes to court)
You can’t be fined if you’re a registered blind dog owner.
Dog fouling
You can be given an on-the-spot fine if you don’t clean up after your dog. The amount varies from council to council. It’s often £50 and can be as much as £80. (If you refuse to pay the fine, you can be taken to court and fined up to £1,000).
Source: www.gov.uk
