Laws That Affect You and Your Dog

The following is a summary of possible legislation in your area that may affect you and your dog

Bite Laws - Dogs who bite people or other dogs or animals causing injury are subject to confiscation, quarantine or euthanization. Owners may be held criminally and/or civilly responsible. The severity of the punishment will usually depend on the severity of the injury as well as the history of the dog. Law enforcement dogs, and their handlers however, are protected from prosecution if a dog bites in the course of his work.

Poop Scoop Laws - Besides the unpleasant appearance and odor, dog feces can create a public health hazard. Most urban areas fine owners that do not clean up after their dog in public areas. Some even require that feces be removed from owners properties within a specific period of time.

Leash Laws - Leashes laws not only protect the community at large but also the dog itself. Normally, when a dog is in a public place, the owner is required to be in control of the dog on a leash that is six feet or less. Complaints may result in warnings, fines and/or having the dog impounded. Many municipalities have specific designated areas where a dog may be off leash as long as it is licensed, current on its vaccinations and friendly to people and other dogs.

Noise Ordinances - These ordinances are common in most cities and often include excessive barking. Complaints may result in warnings, fines and in some cases even having the dog impounded.

Chaining and Tethering - Many municipalities have banned the use of chains or tethers or set time limits because they make the dog vulnerable to attack from other animals, tend to create aggressive behavior, especially towards children, and make for a poor overall quality of life for the dog. Some cities also set a minimum size for dog enclosures.

Service Dogs - In the United States the Americans with Disabilities Act requires that all public places be accessible to people with disabilities including those who use service dogs. Service dogs are allowed access by law to any public place as long as they adhere to other laws such as leash laws, etc.

Working Dogs - Working dogs are protected by law from abuse and/or being overworked. In many areas greyhound racing has been banned, as well as some forms of hunting, and using dogs for drafting work.

Licensing - Almost all U.S. municipalities require licensing and levy fines for non-compliance. Typically to be licensed a dog must be current on all required vaccinations and in some cases the license fee may be higher if the dog has not been spayed or neutered. Some cities even prohibit breeding altogether.

Pet Theft - Dog theft is typically treated the same as the theft of personal property. In the United States, theft by dealers or groups that supply animals to testing laboratories are covered by the Animal Welfare Act.

Antifreeze Laws - Antifreeze is typically sweet to the taste, yet highly toxic. Some areas require that antifreeze have a bitter agent added to it, to make it less palatable, but this does not normally apply to wholesalers. Thousands of dogs die each year due to poisoning.

Airline Laws - In the U.S. dogs being transported by airline are required to have adequately sized and ventilated kennels with handles and be clearly marked. They must also be provided with adequate food and water depending on their age. Puppies under 8 weeks old are not allowed.

Breed Bans - Many cities, counties, provinces or states, and even countries have introduced legislation banning or controlling certain dog breeds. These are typically aimed at the pit-bull or other guardian breeds. It is also not unusual to find certain apartments, housing complexes or gated communities banning certain breeds. Some insurance companies are also not insuring homeowners with certain breeds.

Livestock Laws - In many rural areas dogs can legally be shot or euthanized for harassing or killing livestock and the owner may be required to compensate for any losses.

Animal Cruelty Laws - These laws are designed to protect animals including dogs. Definitions vary widely throughout different areas ranging from intentional injury or killing to neglect in providing food, water and shelter to abandonment. Penalties also vary widely from felony convictions to fines and misdemeanors.

To learn the specific rights and responsibilities you have as a dog owner contact your local animal control agency.

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