Dogs and The Law
We enforce the following dog orders:
- The Fouling of Land by Dogs (Darlington) Order 2010
- The Dogs on Leads (Darlington) Order 2010
- The Dogs on Leads by Direction (Darlington) Order 2010
- The Dogs Exclusion (Darlington) Order 2010
These Orders will only cover selected areas of the Darlington Borough, please view the full Order and maps which explain the four offences in more detail and the areas they will apply.
Anyone contravening the provisions of a Dog Control Order will commit an offence and may have to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75. Failure to comply may lead to conviction in a Magistrates' Court, and to a fine of up to £1,000.
Dog fouling
Anyone who fails to pick up their dogs faeces will now be prosecuted under The Fouling of Land by dogs (Darlington) Order 2010.
More information about Dog Fouling
Dog tagging
Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992 [external site], all dogs must wear a collar and identity tag in a public place. The tag must show the owner’s name and address. Our dog wardens enforce this law and fines of up to £5000 can be given by the Courts for an offence.
If you wish to report an offence, please contact the dog wardens on 01325 388799 or email the details to streetscene@darlington.gov.uk
Always make sure that your dog wears a collar and identity tag, even if microchipped.
Barking dogs
Constant barking and howling is annoying to neighbours and could result in us taking legal action against you for causing a noise nuisance. See Helpful Tips to Stop Dog Barking.
Boarding Kennels
The Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963 requires boarding kennels for cats and dogs to be licensed by us.
Dog Breeding
Under the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999, no person can keep a breeding establishment for dogs except under a licence granted by us. If you own 5 or more breeding bitches and they produce 5 or more litters a year or your premises are used solely for the purpose of breeding dogs then you will require a Dog Breeding Licence.
Dangerous dogs
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 [external site], bans the ownership, breeding, sale (both national and international) and exchange of certain types of fighting dogs – the ban currently covers pure breeds and cross breeds with the same physical and behavioural characteristics as the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero. The maximum fine for having a banned dog is £5000 and/or 6 months in prison and the dog may be destroyed.
Section 3 of the act applies to all dogs that are dangerously out of control in a public place (it does not apply to dogs in their own garden who jump up at visitors). If a dog acts in a way in which someone fears they will be attacked, then an offence is committed. The fines are up to £5000 and/or 6 months in prison and the Courts may order the dog to be destroyed.
A Police Officer or Dog Warden may seize a banned dog or a dog that is dangerously out of control. If you wish to report a dangerous dog, please contact the Police on 0345 6060365 or the dog wardens on 01325 388799. The Courts can also issue a warrant for the police to enter a building and seize a dog.