Manchester City Council

Owning a dog demands a lot of time, responsibility and care. If you have taken the decision to own a dog, it is likely that you have considered the above questions.

The next step is to consider the impact of owning a dog, and what you need to do to look after your new friend and companion.

There are a number of laws that concern dog ownership, and that you need to be aware of. You must ensure that:

1. Your dog has a collar with a clearly displayed tag, containing your name and address.  It is also wise to include a contact number.
2. Under the Animal Welfare Act, you need to ensure the following

   • For a suitable environment (place to live)

   • For a suitable diet

   • To exhibit normal behaviour patterns

   • To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)

   • To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

3. Dog Control Orders.  Manchester has adopted Dog Control Orders as part of a wider Responsible Dog Ownership Scheme.  Further information can be found in our Responsible Dog Ownership section.
4. Dogs bred for fighting, such as pit bull terriers, must be kept on a lead by someone who is sixteen or over and muzzled in public.  No-one may keep these breeds without registering them with the police.  For further information on the control of certain types of dogs, please see the DEFRA Website.