As a dog owner, you have a number of legal and moral responsibilities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pet and those around you. Make sure you are aware of all your responsibilities before getting a dog.
Ensuring your dog is registered and microchipped (where applicable) is legally required and helps us reunite lost pets with owners.
It is important to remember that any dog can bite, so care must be taken to ensure your dog is kept under control at all times to prevent any problems occuring. Keeping your dog under control includes situations within your own home and outside, ensuring it obeys your commands and is either on a leash or under voice control in areas where it is allowed to run free.
To be on the safe side, it is always best to avoid letting your dog run free in areas where small children, livestock, poultry or protected wildlife are present. There are a number of places where you can exercise your dog off a leash, within a safe and controlled environment.
If you own a dog that is classified as dangerous or menacing, then you have more obligations to ensure everyone’s safety and to avoid any offences against you and your pet.
Remember when exercising your dog in parks or on our beaches, be especially vigilant of our wildlife and please keep your dog from disturbing or endangering any other animals.
Most importantly, love and have fun with your dog.
