Dog tag law flouters warned

Law says your dog needs ID

DOG owners in Blaby villages are being urged not to fall foul of a law fining those who fail to have appropriate ID on their pets.

The district council is highlighting the Control of Dogs Order (1992) which some may not be familiar with but which stipulates any canine must wear a collar bearing the name and address, including postcode, of the owner engraved on it or on a tag when in a public place.

Officers will be mounting a crackdown on offenders from April 5 as part of a move to prevent strays coming into council kennels.

Previously Blaby, as with most councils, has been lenient with those not complying but problems with strays has pushed enforcement.

As part of the authority’s efforts to spread awareness officers from the animal services department will be visiting parks and open spaces throughout March.

Michelle Ikin, senior animal services officer at Blaby District Council, said: “A collar and tag are absolutely vital in ensuring a lost dog can be returned to its owner quickly. Too many times we keep stray dogs for several days, which we wouldn’t have to do if dog owners complied with the law by having a collar and tag on their pet.

“We appreciate there has been a lot of focus on the microchipping law that came into force in 2016 but it’s important now that we look towards making every dog out in public within the district easily identifiable if it ever does get lost.”

Last year saw a total of 58 stray dogs collected by the council, with 38 of those not having a collar on. Each stray can cost a minimum of £67 to collect. From Thursday April 5 owners of any stray dogs found not to have a collar and tag on will be prosecuted.

Tags can be bought and engraved from as little as £2.50 online or from pet shops or key-cutters.