06/10/2025
Why ID Tags Still Matter: Real UK Fines and Legal Obligations
The Law
Under The Control of Dogs Order 1992, every dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address inscribed or on an attached tag.
Failure to comply is a criminal offence under Section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981, punishable by a fine of up to £2,000 (level 5 on the standard scale).
The wording of the legislation actually reads: “The owner of a dog or the person in charge of a dog who…” so as a professional dog walker and hopefully in charge of the dogs in your care, you are required to ensure…
Microchipping is not a substitute.
Both are required:
- Microchip = permanent identification
- Collar & Tag = immediate identification and contact
Some practical stuff.
When the legislation was drafted, harnesses weren’t really mainstream and mobile phone numbers weren’t universal.
Has anyone ever been prosecuted for their dog wearing an ID tag attached to a harness and for not wearing a collar? No.
What Must Be On the Tag
Legally required:
• Owner’s name
• Owner’s address (house number and post code as a minimum)
Optional but highly recommended:
• Mobile number
• “I’m microchipped”
• “Neutered” (if applicable)
Do not include the dog’s name, it can be misused in theft cases.
Do people really get fined?
Yes, but not every day,
Is it a criminal record matter?
In short:
• Yes, it’s a criminal offence.
• You’d only get a criminal record if it goes to court and you’re convicted.
• Fixed penalty notices or out-of-court disposals do not create a criminal record.
Examples of Real Fines and Prosecutions
Leicester Magistrates’ Court – February 2019: Three dog owners fined after their dogs were found straying without tags.
• Fines: £320 + costs, £53 + costs, one conditional discharge + costs. Source: Leicester City Council public notice.
Leicester Magistrates’ Court – September 2018: Two owners fined for collar/tag offences.
• One paid £1,004 (two dogs).
• Another £322 after guilty plea. Source: Leicester City Council prosecution summary.
Leicester Magistrates’ Court - May 2019: Four residents fined after dogs were picked up as strays with no identification.
• Two fined £440 each + costs + victim surcharge. Source: Leicester City Council legal notices.
Plymouth - August 2025
24-year-old woman fined £220 and given a criminal record for failing to ensure her dog wore a collar and tag in public.
Also prosecuted for microchip offences.
Source: Plymouth City Council enforcement notice.
Historic Example – Gloucester Magistrates’ Court (2008)
Repeated tag breaches led to cumulative fines totalling £1,200.
Source: Local media archive.
What This Means for Pet Professionals
If you handle or transport dogs as part of your business, the same law applies.
You are legally considered “the person in charge” at the time, so the duty to ensure the dog wears a compliant collar and tag transfers to you when the dog is in your care.
Failure to do so risks:
• A fine and criminal record (as shown above)
• Insurance invalidation (most pet care or dog walking policies require compliance with relevant legislation)
• Potential licensing breach under DEFRA’s Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
