Legislation, Sources and Further Reading

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

Supports PetLine guidance about dogs alleged to be dangerously out of control, injury or reasonable apprehension of injury, prohibited types, and related police/court processes.

Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014

Provides the framework for Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), which local authorities can use for matters including dog fouling and other local dog-control requirements.

GOV.UK – Public Spaces Protection Orders and dog controls

Official government guidance explaining local dog-control requirements under PSPOs, including requirements relating to clearing up after dogs and other local restrictions.

Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003

Supports the Scotland-specific dog-fouling information in the guide, including the offence and fixed-penalty framework.

Control of Dogs Order 1992

Supports the collar and identification-tag requirement for dogs in public places, subject to the Order’s exemptions.

Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023

Current England regulations covering compulsory microchipping and database requirements for dogs (and cats). PetLine uses this source for its basic microchip guidance.

Petlog – Look up a microchip

Official Petlog lookup service used in PetLine’s practical guidance for owners who know a microchip number but do not know which UK database holds the registration.

Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953

The underlying legislation concerning dogs attacking or worrying livestock.

Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025

Amends the 1953 Act, including the scope of livestock incidents and increased investigation powers. PetLine’s livestock guidance should be read against the law as amended.

Road Traffic Act 1988

Supports PetLine guidance about road traffic incidents involving dogs. Section 170 includes a dog within the statutory definition of an animal for the relevant accident-reporting duties.

GOV.UK – Dealing with irresponsible dog ownership: practitioners’ manual

Official Defra guidance for local authorities and police in England and Wales dealing with dog-related incidents and the use of relevant powers.

GOV.UK – Anti-social behaviour powers: statutory guidance

Official guidance on the use of powers under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, including PSPOs.

GOV.UK – Noise Nuisance Statutory Powers