Dog owners warned of little-known car rule that could lead to £5,000 fine

While taking your dog along for a ride to a new walking spot might seem like a fun idea, failing to secure them properly in the car could lead to serious consequences.

Under UK law, all dogs must be properly restrained when travelling in a vehicle. This means using seat belts to secure travel cages or using a pet-specific seat belt harness.

Failure to do so could result in fines of up to £5,000 and may even invalidate your car insurance.

As Danielle Taylor, founder of Doggy Adventures, explained: “Whether it is just a quick trip to the shop or a long haul journey – it is crucial that both you and your pets are kept safe whilst travelling.

“The Road Traffic Act (1988) and Rule 58 of the Highway Code, inform us about the necessity of securely tethering our pets to our vehicles to prevent distraction to the driver and thus injury to them, ourselves and the public in the event of an accident.”

There are several options available to ensure your pet is safely restrained, with Taylor recommending a dog seatbelt as a good starting point.

“This is by far the cheapest option available and also incredibly versatile, but should only be used on the rear seats and attached to a dog’s harness – not collar,” she advised.

Another important law that could result in fines is the requirement for dogs to wear identification tags at all times.

These tags must be attached to their collar, even if they are wearing a harness. Not complying could lead to fines of up to £2,000.

Dog owners must also be aware of fines related to their dogs’ behaviour in public spaces. If you’re walking near livestock, such as on a farm, extra care must be taken to avoid disturbing the animals.

John Skinner, co-founder of TopDog, shared: “Owners must prevent their dogs from attacking or chasing livestock, or being out of control off lead in a field or else they could be fined a maximum of £1,000.”

On top of this, another worry for animal lovers is that farmers are legally allowed to shoot dogs if they are worrying livestock on their property.

Another regulation that could result in fines is the obligation to clean up after your dog. Failure to do so can result in on-the-spot fines of £100 or up to £1,000 if prosecuted.

Some councils, such as those in Canterbury, Daventry, and North Somerset, are taking it a step further by imposing fines of up to £100 for anyone caught without at least two poo bags.

Finally, dog owners must be mindful of beach restrictions, as many UK beaches have limits on dogs from May to September. If you are caught, fines can be as high as £1,000.

However, there are plenty of beaches where dogs are welcome year-round, so it’s worth checking local regulations in advance to avoid any surprises.