Once you own a dog you take on a few legal and moral responsibilities. This checklist highlights some of these requirements:
A collar and tag with the dog's name and your contact details is the most basic form of identification. Other methods include tattooing and microchip implants.
All dogs have to be registered with the local Council from around 3 months of age. Attach the Council's registration tag to your dog's collar so it can be easily seen.
The law requires you to keep your dog under control. Your dog also isn't allowed to:
- Go onto private land or premises without prior permission.
- Attack other people or animals.
- Startle people or shock in such a way that someone is injured or endangered, or property is damaged or endangered.
- Cause any vehicle accidents.
Excessive barking or howling will most likely upset your neighbours and result in a visit from the local dog control officer.
Every owner is responsible for ensuring their dog is not neglected, and every individual has a moral obligation to report incidents of known or suspected cruelty or neglect to the SPCA or Police.
