Dog walkers could face £1000 fine this Christmas for making common mistake – here’s how to avoid paying out
DOG walkers could face a £1000 fine this Christmas for making this common mistake.
While taking a winter stroll with your pet pooch, it is important to keep informed of rules that could cost you a lot of cash if you don’t comply.
Although taking your dog off its lead is permitted in the majority of UK parks and wooded areas – it is actually illegal in some spots.
If you don’t see any signs alerting you to any restrictions, then it is most likely acceptable to let your canine roam free.
But dogs typically need to be on a lead near roads, footpaths, car parks, play areas and certain ponds or streams at some times of the year.
Flower beds, beaches, and pitches are considered off-limits, but it is important to keep an eye out for signs alerting dog owners to the rules.
Local authorities can implement a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to exclude dogs from certain areas or instruct owners to put them on a lead.
They can also set out rules regarding dog fouling or the maximum number of dogs one person can walk at one time.
If you ignore the regulations put into force by the PSPO, you can be slapped with an on the spot fixed penalty notice of £100.
Those who go to court for breaching a PSPO or a Dog Control Order could be fined up to a whopping £1,000 if prosecuted.
So next time you want to let your dog aimlessly wander, make sure you check for signage before doing so.
Other overlooked rules regarding your pet pooch that land you a substantial penalty include ensuring your dog is microchipped and wearing a collar and tag in public.
Dog owners can face an unlimited fine if their pooch isn’t wearing an identity disc while out and about.
Those who fail to follow these rules can be served with a 21-day legal notice.
Failure to comply following the legal notice could see owners fined up to £500 per dog.