Thousands of Brits facing fines for missing dog collar

Pet owners in the UK have been issued a warning which states failing to correctly collar your pup could result in severe consequences. 

Experts are alerting Brits to the proper way to tag their beloved pooch before heading out and about in the sunshine this summer.  

Any dog owner caught disregarding the rules is breaking the law and could be imprisoned, fined £2000, and risk their pet being seized.

It is illegal for a dog to be on a highway or in a public place without a collar that includes the name and address of the owner attached, even if they are microchipped. 

The owner’s name and address must be inscribed onto the collar or attached using a plate, badge or tag. 

The Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that anyone responsible for causing or permitting a dog on a highway or public place without a collar will be found guilty of an offence against the Animal Health Act 1981. 

Although not putting a collar on your dog may seem harmless to some, the offence can be punishable with an eye-watering fine of £2000 and a 6-month custodial sentence. 

Anyone considering taking their pup out without a collar also risks them being seized. 

An un-collared dog can be treated as a stray under section 3 of the Dogs Act 1906 or section 149 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. 

Pet owners should ensure their pooches are always wearing a collar as any local authority officer can execute and enforce the law. 

The law does have some exceptions, such as dogs who work in emergency rescue or those working on a farm tending livestock.  

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “With everyone feeling the financial pinch, the last thing pet owners need is a hefty fine for forgetting something so simple as popping the collar on their dog. 

“The law may seem harsh, and having your pet seized seems unthinkable, but the rules are in place for good reason.

“The law is there to protect dogs so that their owners can be easily traced if they go missing.  It’s also there to protect people, if a dog attacks someone, the authorities need to be able to contact the owner.

“It’s also essential to ensure that details are up to date on the collar and to be aware of the risks of not having the correct information. 

“We also recommend that dog owners include their phone numbers on the collar in case of an emergency so that the pet can be safely returned quickly.”

(Lead image: Shutterstock)