When we wish to play a new game the first step is to learn the rules of the game. When we learn to drive we start with the rules of the road. I wonder though, in the case of dog ownership how many of us actually know the rules. There are some very important documents that should be read and understood by all dog owners.

While there are some extremely valuable books on dog care and training etc. the documents I refer to in this discussion are the official laws for ownership, care and control of dogs. At a high level there are the law documents such as the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and associated Amendments. Accompanying that there are further statutes referring to care of animals that apply to dog ownership and also some further requirements and restrictions on certain breeds noted in the restricted breeds list. These restricted breeds are possibly becoming more known through the notices at the entrances to dog runs in parks where they are called out as forbidden in the dog run.

As well as the Acts there is an underlying document known as a statutory instrument which documents further details concerning the act. It is worth taking the time to search for references such as Control of Dogs Act Amendments 1986, 1992, 2010, Care of Animals Act, Statutory Instrument  Control of Dogs Regulations & Care of Animals, Control of Dogs Regulation - Restriction of Certain Dogs, and understanding the onus these place on a dog owner.

Another aspect to note is the local council By Laws as the main statute allows the council to create its own by laws with regard to control of dogs, for example permitting dogs to be off leash in a local park between certain hours or indeed not allowing a dog to be off leash t any time in public in the area. It is also worth noting the fines for items such as not obeying the by laws, not cleaning up after your dog, not having a dog license or not having a dog microchipped etc.