Dog owners should be aware of specific restrictions enforced by local councils in various public areas. Violating these rules can result in an on-the-spot fine of £100, with potential penalties rising to £1,000 if the case proceeds to court.

The UK Government highlights that a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) could require dog owners to adhere to six fundamental guidelines:

• Put the dog on a lead if told to by a police officer, police community support officer or someone from the council
• Stop a dog from going to certain places – like farmland or parts of a park
• Limit the number of dogs they can walk at one time (this applies to professional dog walkers, too)
• Clear up after their dog
• Carry a poop scoop and disposable bags
• Keep a dog on a lead

According to guidance on GOV.UK, “Local councils must inform the public where PSPOs are implemented. If dogs are prohibited in a park, there must be clear signage indicating this. Additionally, if a council plans to introduce a new PSPO, it is obligated to post a notice and publish details on its website.”

Whenever a local authority enacts a new PSPO, it must specify the exact locations these rules cover and confirm whether a map is available to show the restricted areas. If such a map exists, information on how to access it must be provided.

It is also crucial to understand that it is illegal to let dogs become ‘dangerously out of control’ in any setting, whether public or private. This law applies to all dog breeds, not just those classified as banned.

The UK Government advises: “If your dog is dangerously out of control, you could face an unlimited fine or up to six months in prison, or both. Additionally, you might be prohibited from owning a dog in the future, and your dog could be put down.”

“If you let your dog injure someone you can be sent to prison for up to five years or fined (or both). If you deliberately use your dog to injure someone you could be charged with ‘malicious wounding’.

“If you allow your dog to kill someone you can be sent to prison for up to 14 years or get an unlimited fine (or both). If you allow your dog to injure an assistance dog (for example a guide dog) you can be sent to prison for up to three years or fined (or both).”

What dogs are completely banned?

In the UK, owning specific types of dogs is illegal. This law also prohibits the sale, abandonment, giving away, or breeding of these banned dogs.

The breeds included in this are:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro

XL Bully dogs are also completely banned in England and Wales. In certain circumstances, an owner may be issued a Certificate of Exemption for owning a banned breed, though this depends on specific criteria.