Breaking Laws With My Furry Friends

Dogs are considered property in the eyes of the law, and as such, there are a plethora of laws surrounding their ownership and treatment. From federal to state-specific laws, dog owners need to be aware of a lot to keep their pets safe and themselves out of trouble. For example, did you know that in Galesburg, Illinois, it is illegal to let your dog smell the street? Or that in the UK, it is illegal to make ugly faces at dogs? These are just a couple of the weird and wonderful dog-related laws that you and your dogs might be breaking!

Breaking leash laws

Leash laws vary depending on your location, so it's important to familiarise yourself with the specific rules in your area. In most places, it is illegal to walk your dog without a leash, and you may face significant fines if you don't comply. These laws are in place to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of everyone.

For example, in some states, dogs must be leashed when in public spaces such as roads and beaches. This is to protect your dog from potential dangers, such as traffic, as well as to ensure the safety of others. Leash laws also protect sensitive wildlife and ecosystems, as even well-behaved dogs can cause disturbances to plants and animals.

Additionally, leash laws can help those who are afraid of dogs feel more comfortable in shared public spaces. They also protect other dogs, as some dogs may be reactive, fearful, or in training and should not be approached by other dogs.

To avoid breaking leash laws, make sure to research the specific rules in your area and always have your dog leashed when required. This will help keep your dog safe and ensure you are a responsible dog owner.

Not vaccinating your dog

In addition, vaccinating your dog yourself without the help of a veterinarian is not recommended. Vaccines must be stored in a temperature-controlled environment and your veterinarian will know how to do this correctly. They will also be able to create a customized wellness plan for your dog, as some vaccines are more necessary for certain dogs based on their lifestyle. For example, a dog that spends a lot of time outdoors may need a different set of vaccines than one that stays indoors most of the time.

Furthermore, if you vaccinate your dog yourself, their vaccination record may not be accepted by other vendors. Many boarding, grooming, and daycare facilities require proof of vaccination by a veterinarian. Some cities and landlords may also have this requirement.

Finally, by not vaccinating your dog, you are putting them at risk of contracting infectious diseases. Vaccines are the most effective way to protect your dog and public health. While some people may be hesitant to vaccinate their dogs due to safety concerns, it is important to remember that vaccines are "overwhelmingly safe" and necessary to prevent outbreaks of diseases like rabies and parvovirus.

Not picking up after your dog

Failing to pick up after your dog is not only inconsiderate but also often illegal. Many municipalities enforce regulations, with fines starting around $50 to $100 for first-time offences and escalating to $500 or more for repeat offenders. In some areas, you might also face community service as a penalty.

Dog waste is a significant threat to the environment and can affect everything from water quality to public health. When left unattended, it contributes to environmental consequences such as water pollution. Rain can wash dog waste into storm drains, leading to streams, rivers, and lakes, spreading harmful bacteria and parasites, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and threatening wildlife. Dog waste also releases nitrogen into the soil, promoting excessive algae growth in waterways, which depletes oxygen levels and harms aquatic life.

Dog waste can also be dangerous to human health. It can be a breeding ground for pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, which can lead to bacterial infections in humans and other animals. Children playing outside, adults enjoying parks, and even other pets can inadvertently come into contact with these bacteria, resulting in illnesses.

Therefore, it is essential to understand your responsibilities as a dog owner and to adhere to pet waste regulations. Always carry waste bags and promptly clean up after your pet to keep public spaces clean and avoid fines.

Breaking noise laws

Most communities prohibit excessive, unnecessary, and unreasonable noise, and police enforce these laws. To find your municipality's noise rules, look up the local ordinances online, at your local public library, or the city or county law library. Most local noise ordinances designate "quiet hours", for example, from 10 pm to 7 am on weekdays and until 8 or 9 am on weekends.

Many towns also prohibit sustained noise that exceeds a certain decibel level. The decibel limits are set according to the time of day and the neighborhood zoning. When a neighbor complains, the police will place decibel-level monitoring equipment at a certain distance to take a reading.

If you are found to be breaking noise laws, the local authorities have the power to issue fines or fixed penalty notices, with maximum fines reaching up to £1000 in the UK. In the US, small claims court judgments can limit payments between $2500 and $20,000.

If you are aware that your dogs are being noisy, it is your responsibility to find a solution to the cause of the excessive noise. This may involve consulting a behavioral specialist to identify the problem.

Owning a restricted breed

• American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier)
• Perro de Presa Canario (or Presa Canario)
• American Staffordshire Terriers
• American Bulldog
• Doberman
• Chow Chow

In some places, it is completely illegal to own certain restricted breeds. For example, in Victoria, Australia, it is a criminal offence to breed a restricted breed dog, with a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail or 60 penalty units. In addition, a magistrate has the power to disqualify someone from owning a dog or put conditions on their dog ownership for up to 10 years if their restricted breed dog attacks or bites someone.

Even where these breeds are not outright banned, owners often face extra requirements and restrictions. For example, restricted breed dogs usually must be desexed, microchipped, and muzzled and leashed when outside their owner's premises. Owners may also be required to obtain special insurance policies and provide DNA tests to prove their dog's breed.

When it comes to renting with a restricted breed, it can be especially challenging. Many landlords work with their insurance companies to determine breed restrictions, and insurance companies often keep certain breeds on a "prohibited" list. This can make it very difficult for renters to find housing if they own a restricted breed. However, there are some steps that renters can take to improve their chances, such as providing training certifications, references, or a "dog resume" to show that their dog is well-behaved. Ultimately, though, renters may have the most luck finding a place to live by renting directly from private property owners, who are more likely to waive these restrictions.

Frequently asked questions