Dog care and control

Dog control orders: Enforcement

Law enforcement officers, police officers and police community support officers can fine you £80 on the spot if you do not follow a dog control order. If you do not pay the fine, we may take you to court, with a maximum fine of £1,000.

Generally, the orders do not apply to:

  • registered blind people and their guide dogs
  • dogs registered with Dogs for the Disabled, Support Dogs and Canine Partners for Independence
  • police dogs which are on duty
  • dogs working in search and rescue.

Dog control orders and private land

Dog control orders do not apply on private land, as long as you have permission from the owner of the land or the person who controls the land.