What all dog owners should know

Owning and caring for a dog can bring great happiness but it also brings important responsibilities. This page gives some basic but essential tips on caring and the responsibilities of being a dog owner.

Basic tips for responsible dog ownership

1. Think carefully before getting a dog and learn about its special requirements.
2. Ensure your dog is well trained and sociable.
3. Provide a nutritious and well balanced diet.
4. Provide suitable housing and bedding. 
5. Clean up after your dog and worm it regularly. 
6. Protect it against disease. Your vet can provide you with advice.
7. Prevent unwanted litters and have your dog neutered when appropriate.
8. Microchip your dog to ensure that you can prove ownership.
9. Groom your dog regularly.
10. Control your dog and ensure it is properly identified.
11. Take out pet insurance to cover against unexpected veterinary fees and third party liability.

Dog Fouling and Toxocara Canis

When out exercising your dog please remember to remove its faeces when it fouls. Not only is this an offence when it is not picked up, but it is also unsightly. All dogs carry toxocara canis (an internal parasite commonly known as roundworm), which can be transmitted to humans and can cause various minor ailments, the most serious being blindness.

Dogs and the Law

The main pieces of legislation specifically relating to dogs are:

• Animal Health Act 1981 – Relates to requirements that dogs have a collar and identity tags.
• Animal Act 1971 – Relates to the impounding of livestock that has strayed on to Council land
• Control of Dogs Order 1992 – Relates to requirements that dogs have a collar and identity tags
• Dog (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 – Relates to dog fouling
• Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 – Relates to the banned breeds but also to any dog that is out of control in a public place or on private land.
• Dogs Act 1871 – Relates to dogs out of control.
• Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 – Relates to dogs worrying livestock on agriculture land.
• Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 149 – Relates to stray dogs.
  The Local Authority has a statutory duty to collect stray dogs and remove them from the streets. Efforts are made to find the rightful owner, however, if this is not possible the dog is transported to the Dog & Cat Shelter, Longbenton, Newcastle Upon Tyne (0191 215 0435). To reclaim your pet an administration and daily fee must be paid. If the dog has not been reclaimed after seven days it will be available for re-homing.
• Road Traffic Act 1988 – Relates to the control of dogs on roads.