Dog Care and Control

Owning a dog is a big responsibility. The items below are a guide to ensuring your dog is well looked after.

Responsible dog ownership

• Train your dog in basic obedience, so it is under proper control at all times
• Train your dog to go to the toilet at home - if your pet accidentally fouls in public, make sure that YOU clean it up
• Always have a poop scoop, or other means, to clean up when you walk your dog
• Keep your dog on a lead when in public – it is an offence for your dog to roam the streets
• There are financial penalties if a Dog Warden picks up your dog
• Take your dog to the vet for its vaccinations
• Make sure that your dog has a healthy, balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise
• When your dog leaves your property it MUST wear a collar and tag
• Don't let your dog be a nuisance or danger to other people or animals
• Groom your dog regularly and check for fleas
• If your pet does have fleas, the Council's Pest Control section can treat your home if necessary (there may be a charge for this service)
• Worm your dog regularly
• Consider having your dog neutered
• Dogs are good for people, people should be good for dogs
• Do not leave your dog in a car in hot weather

The Animal Welfare Act 2006

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 came into force in 2007 and places a ‘Duty of Care’ on the Owner or Keeper of all animals to ensure their physical and mental needs are met. These needs include:

• A suitable environment
• A suitable diet
• The ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
• Any need the animal has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
• Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease

For further information on dog care and control please visit the websites in the external links section to the right of this page.