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Dog Law

Dogs in Cars – Can they be loose?

If you're in a dispute about a dog, perhaps after a breakup, a family disagreement or even a rehoming situation, one of the first things people say might is: “The dog is microchipped in my name, so it’s mine” It’s an understandable assumption but it could be the wrong assumption. Microchipping is a legal requirement and microchip records often look official. However, while registration of a microchip provides evidence of ownership it is not conclusive proof of ownership. In most cases, they can refuse entry. But there is one very important exception, which is for assistance dogs. This short guide...

Dog Law

Does a Microchip Prove Who Owns a Dog?

Dog Law

How to Protect Your Dog in Your Will

Have you made a will? If you haven’t then we recommend that you do so. And even if you have already got a will, have you remembered to include your wishes for your dog?

Dog Law

Can a Restaurant Refuse Entry to My Dog?

It is becoming increasingly common to see dogs in cafes, pubs and even restaurants. Many venues actively welcome them, but others prefer a strict ‘no dogs’ policy. So can a restaurant refuse entry to your dog? In most cases, they can refuse entry. But there is one very important exception, which is for assistance dogs. This short guide explains what the law says, who can enforce it, and what you can do next.

Dog Law

Can I sue the vet if my dog dies?

When a much loved family pet has died, it can be absolutely devastating. Even if the death has occurred while it was being treated by a vet, this doesn’t automatically mean that the vet or the practise was legally at fault for the death. That said, a pet owner might be able to sue a vet (or more accurately the veterinary practice as opposed to an individual) but only in limited circumstances. Vets owe a ‘duty of care’ when treating an animal, and to succeed in a claim for damages you would normally need to prove that:- • the vet...

Dog Law

Dog fouling complaints

At Cooper & Co, we find that dog fouling is one of the most common causes of neighbourhood complaints. If dog poo is being left in your area, it’s not just unpleasant, but it can also raise public health concerns and lead to enforcement action. This short guide explains what the law says, who can enforce it, and what you can do next.

Dog Law

My dog has bitten someone

Before law changes in 1997, following a conviction under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it was mandatory for a dog to be destroyed if it had injured someone. Thankfully, changes brought into effect by the Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997 changed this so that, in relevant cases, it became a presumption in favour of destruction rather than it being imposed automatically on conviction. This kind of case is still very worrying for any dog owner, but it is no longer as clear-cut as it once was.

Dog Law

Is a Puppy Sales Contract Legally Binding

People often ask us whether we can draft a completely ‘watertight’ puppy sale contract for breeders to use. The short answer is that no contract is truly ‘watertight’ because enforceability depends on the facts of each case and the law that applies. However, a puppy sales contract can be legally binding, but only if it meets the legal requirements for a valid contract. In most cases, a written contract helps clarify what was agreed between the breeder/seller and the buyer, but your legal rights may also depend on whether the seller is acting as a business or if they are...

Dog Law

Should you be worried about the Government’s proposals to change jury trials

Many criminal cases involving dogs are dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court and do not involve a jury. However, you may have seen in the media that recent Government proposals to reform jury trials and appeal rights have raised questions about whether Defendants may lose some of their current rights.

Dog Law

Who are the leading Solicitors in the law on dogs

Choosing the right Solicitor when your dog is at risk can make all the difference. Cooper & Co Solicitors was founded by award-winning specialist Solicitor Trevor Cooper and we focus on providing legal advice on dog law (or Doglaw as we like to call it) across England & Wales.

Police

My dog has been seized by the Police… what to do next

If your dog has been seized by the Police you will invariably feel shocked and overwhelmed, as well as being fearful for how your dog is coping with being away from home. Many owners are unsure as to what will happen next and what they need to do first.

Dog Bite

Is every dog entitled to one bite

The answer is NO because for the purposes of the criminal law, a dog’s first bite could result in serious criminal consequences for its owner and, if different, the person who was in charge of the dog at the time.

Pet Insurance

What are the benefits of having pet insurance

Pet ownership brings huge rewards but it also carries extensive responsibilities. One question many owners ask themselves is whether pet insurance is really worth it.