Information Responsible dog ownership
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- It is law that your dog MUST wear a collar when in a public place with a tag bearing your name, address and telephone number. Failure to comply may result in a fine.
- It is a legal requirement that your dog is microchipped. The microchip will hold all the contact details of the owner and has its own unique number which is held on a national database. It is the owners responsibility to make sure these details are kept up-to-date. Failure to comply may result in a fine.
- It is a legal requirement under the Public Spaces Protection Order in East Devon to always keep your dog on a lead on roads and on pavements next to roads.
- Never leave a dog in a motor vehicle on even moderately warm days, as this can have fatal effects.
Your dog's welfare
Dog owners are legally obliged to care for their dogs properly. by providing these five basic needs:
- Somewhere suitable to live
- A proper diet, including fresh water at all times
- The ability to express normal behaviour
- To be housed appropriately with, or apart from, other animals
- Protection from, and treatment of, illness and injury
Further information can be found at Animal welfare - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Sign up to Devon Loves Dogs. It’s a free membership scheme for dog owners and dog walkers. You will get helpful tips on where to walk your dog throughout East Devon.
Dog fouling
It is a legal requirement that you pick up after your dog has fouled in a public place and place it in a dog bin or litter bin. People who do not comply risk being issued with a fixed penalty notice or face legal action in the Magistrates Court with a maximum penalty fine of £1,000.
Toxocariasis
There is an illness that people, dogs, livestock and wildlife can get from the dog faeces called Toxocariasis. This is caused by a parasite known as Toxocara Canis (more commonly known as Roundworm). These parasites live in the digestive system of dogs where their eggs can be released in the faeces of infected animals and then contaminated the soil. When in contact with this soil this can cause serious illness and even blindness. You can reduce the health risk to the public by regularly worming your dog.