Expert warns dog owners could face £5,000 fine for common mistakes during Easter staycation

67% of dog owners plan their holidays around their dogs, these are the laws they must know to avoid fines this Easter holiday

A recent survey indicated that 25% of Brits are planning a UK staycation this Easter and with 56% of dog owners vowing to take their dogs away with them, plenty of people will be travelling up and down the country with their pups in tow.* Dog owners are being warned of the common mistakes that could land them hefty fines if they are not aware.

Laura Miller, Group Head of Marketing at dog-friendly holiday providers, Away Resorts, has shared the five penalties that dog owners must be aware of this Easter if they want to avoid picking up fines. From properly restraining your dogs when driving to making sure your dog has its tag on at all times when you are away.

Driving with your dogs

Under Rule 57 of the Highway Code, failing to suitably restrain dogs when driving could land you with a fine of up to £5,000 as well as points on your licence.**

Dogs must be properly strapped in using either a seat belt harness, a pet carrier or a dog cage to prevent them from distracting or endangering the driver. It should also be noted that if drivers get into a road accident and their dogs have not been suitably restrained, their insurance may be deemed invalid. For the safety of drivers and other road users and to avoid a hefty fine, pet owners must be aware of this rule before setting off on an Easter road trip.

Check dog-friendly beach restrictions 

Whilst there are plenty of beaches across the UK where dogs are welcome year round, many have restrictions on the area of the beach and the time of year when dogs are welcome. Failing to double-check before embarking on a coastal dog walk this Easter could land you an on-the-spot fine of £100, increasing to £1,000 for non-compliance. 

It is especially important to check when visiting beaches around this time of year as April is a cut-off point for many beaches in allowing dogs and you don’t want to be caught out. To avoid any penalties, dog-friendly beach guides are available if you’d like to find beaches that welcome dogs near your staycation destination.

Dogs must have their tags on them

When on holiday, it is always important to ensure your dog is wearing its identification collar, particularly as you will be in a new area where your pet may more easily get lost. Not putting your dog’s collar on can also land you a fine of up to £5,000 as, according to The Control of Dogs Order 1992, not putting a collar on your dog with your name and address is technically illegal.*** 

Ensuring your dog has its tag on will not only prevent any costly fines, it will also save you from any concern if your dog runs off.

Keep dogs controlled around livestock 

If you are planning a countryside staycation where you may be walking near livestock like horses and cows, the Countryside Code requires dogs to be kept on their lead, even in open land, to protect this livestock. Not keeping your dog on a lead can lead to fines of up to £1,000.****

Beyond just livestock, there are plenty of public places where keeping your dog on a lead is a requirement and failure to comply can result in varying fines, starting from £100. When on holiday in a new area, dog owners should always double-check what the requirements are before letting their dogs off the lead, even if they deem their pup to be well-behaved.

Public space protection order

Visiting new parts of the UK calls for exploring their most picturesque trails, national parks and county walks, particularly when you have your dogs with you. Brits should be warned, however, that failing to keep your dogs under control, especially during nesting season, can result in fines. 

Bird-nesting season runs from March 1st to July 31st, meaning that over the Easter holiday, plenty of outdoor spaces across the UK will have strict rules in place to help protect their wildlife. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. Due to the potential impact that dogs can have on these nesting sites if they are let off their lead, dog owners can be fined £1,000. Make sure to stick to designated footpaths and keep your dogs close to you to help the wildlife flourish and avoid a fine.