Dogs Act 1906
1906 c.32
An Act to consolidate and amend the Enactments relating to injury to live stock by Dogs, and otherwise to amend the Law relating to Dogs.
[4th August 1906]
Words of enactment omitted under authority of Statute Law Revision Act 1948 (c. 62), s. 3
Act repealed (N.I.) (19. 12. 1983) by S.I. 1983/764 (N.I. 8), art. 56(2), Sch. 2; S.R. 1983/376, art. 2.

1 Liability of owner of dog for injury to cattle.
(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 1(1)(2) repealed and superseded (E.W.S.) by (E.W.) Animals Act 1971 (c. 22), ss. 1, 13(2)(a) and (S.) Animals (Scotland) Act 1987 (c. 9, SIF 4:6), ss. 1(8)(c), 8(2), Sch.
(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 1(3) repealed (E.W.S.) by (E.W.) Animals Act 1971 (c. 22), s. 13(2)(a) and (S.) Animals (Scotland) Act 1987 (c. 9, SIF 4:6), s. 8(2), Sch.
(4) Where a dog is proved to have injured cattle or poultry or chased sheep, it may be dealt with under section two of the Dogs Act, 1871,section 9 of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2009 as a dangerous dog.
Words inserted by Dogs (Amendment) Act 1928 (c. 21), s. 1
Words in s. 1(4) substituted (S.) (26.2.2011) by Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 9), s. 18(2), sch. 1 para. 1 (with s. 16)
1871 c. 56.

2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 2 repealed by Diseases of Animals Acts 1950 (c. 36), s. 89, Sch. 5

3 Seizure of stray dogs.
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S. 3 repealed (E.W.) (6.4.2008) by Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 (c. 16), ss. 68(1), 108(3), Sch. 5 Pt. 6 (with s. 68(2)); S.I. 2008/956, art. 2
This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only.

3 Seizure of stray dogs.
(1) Where a police officer . . . has reason to believe that any dog found in a road or place of public resort or on any other land or premises is a stray dog, he may seize the dog and may detain it until the owner has claimed it and paid all expenses incurred by reason of its detention.
Words in s. 3(1) inserted (S.) by Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45, SIF 81:2), s. 128(1)(a)(i)(2)(a) and repealed (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(2); S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
Word “road” substituted (S.) by Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 54, SIF 108), Sch. 9 para. 20(a)
Words inserted (S.) by Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45, SIF 81:2), s. 128(2)(a)
(1A) The powers under subsection (1) above shall not be exercised in relation to any dog found on any land or premises other than in a road or place of public resort unless the owner of the land or premises or person having the right of possession thereof has consented to such exercise.
S. 3(1A) inserted (S.) by Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45, SIF 81:2), s. 128(2)(b)
Words substituted by Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 54, SIF 108), Sch. 9 para. 20(b)
(1B) In subsections (1) and (1A) above “ road ” has the same meaning as in the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984.
S. 3(1B) added (S.) by Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 54, SIF 108), Sch. 9 para. 20(c)
(2) Where any dog so seized wears a collar having inscribed thereon or attached thereto the address of any person, or the owner of the dog is known, the chief officer of police, or any person authorised by him in that behalf . . ., shall serve on the person whose address is given on the collar, or on the owner, a notice in writing stating that the dog has been so seized, and will be liable to be sold or destroyed if not claimed within seven clear days after the service of the notice.
S. 3(2)-(9) applied (with modifications) (5.11.2021) by 1953 c. 28, s. 3(4)(5) (as inserted (S.) by Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 18), ss. 3(5), 7(2))
Words in s. 3(2)(4) inserted (S.) by Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45, SIF 81:2), s. 128(1)(a)(ii) and repealed (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(2); S.I. 1992/266, art.3
(3) A notice under this section may be served either—
(a) by delivering it to the person on whom it is to be served; or
(b) by leaving it at that person’s usual or last known place of abode, or at the address given on the collar; or
(c) by forwarding it by post in a prepaid letter addressed to that person at his usual or last known place of abode, or at the address given on the collar.
(4) Where any dog so seized has been detained for seven clear days after the seizure, or, in the case of such a notice as aforesaid having been served with respect to the dog, then for seven clear days after the service of the notice, and the owner has not claimed the dog and paid all expenses incurred by reason of its detention, the chief officer of police, or any person authorised by him in that behalf . . ., may cause the dog to be sold or destroyed in a manner to cause as little pain as possible.
S. 3(4)–(9) applied by Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 (c. 28), s. 2(3)
(5) No dog so seized shall be given or sold for the purposes of vivisection.
(6) The chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland shall keep, or cause to be kept, one or more registers of all dogs seized under this section ... . . . which are not transferred to an establishment for the reception of stray dogs. The register shall contain a brief description of the dog, the date of seizure, and particulars as to the manner in which the dog is disposed of, and every such register shall be open to inspection at all reasonable times by any member of the public . . ..
Words in s. 3(6) substituted (S.) (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 1(2)(a)(i)
Words in s. 3(6) omitted (S.) (1.4.2013) by virtue of The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 1(2)(a)(ii)
Words in s. 3(6) inserted (S.) by Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45, SIF 81:2), s. 128(1)(a)(iii) and repealed (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(2); S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
Words repealed (S.) by Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45, SIF 81:2), Sch. 4
(7) [The police shall not dispose of any dog seized under this section] by transferring it to an establishment for the reception of stray dogs unless a register is kept for that establishment containing such particulars as to dogs received in the establishment as are above mentioned, and such register is open to inspection by the public . . ..
S. 3(7): by Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45), s. 128(1)(a)(iv) new words were substituted (S.) for the words in brackets and by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(2) (with S.I. 1992/266, art. 3) it is provided that the amendments effected by s. 128(1)(a) of the 1982 Act shall cease to have effect (1.4.1992)
Words repealed (S.) by Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45, SIF 81:2), Sch. 4
(7A) Where a dog is disposed of under this section to a purchaser in good faith, the sale shall vest the ownership of the dog in the purchaser.
S. 3(7A) inserted (S.) by Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45, SIF 81:2), s. 75(a)
(8) The police officer or other person having charge of any dog detained under this section shall cause the dog to be properly fed and maintained.
(9) All expenses incurred by the Police Service of Scotland under this section shall be defrayed by the Scottish Police Authority, and any money received by the Police Service of Scotland under this section shall be paid to the Scottish Police Authority.
Words in s. 3(9) substituted (S.) (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 1(2)(b)(i)
Words in s. 3(9) substituted (S.) (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 1(2)(b)(ii)
Words in s. 3(9) substituted (S.) (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 1(2)(b)(iii)
(10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 3(10) repealed (S.) by Police (Scotland) Act 1967 (c. 77), Sch. 5 Pts. I, II
This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only.
S. 3 extended (1.4.1992) by S.I. 1992/901, art. 4

4 Delivery of stray dogs to police.
(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 4(1) repealed (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1)(2), Sch. 15 para. 3(3)(a), Sch. 16 Pt. IX; S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
(2) Where a dog has been taken to a police station in pursuance of section 150(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 then—
(a) if the finder desires to keep the dog, he shall inform the said police officer of this fact and shall furnish his name and address and the police officer shall, having complied with the procedure (if any) prescribed under subsection (5) below, allow the finder to remove the dog, and thereupon the finder may remove the dog, but shall be under an obligation to keep it for not less than one month;
Words in S. 4(2)(a) substituted (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(3)(c); S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
(b) if the finder does not desire to keep the dog, the said police officer shall treat it as if it had been seized by him in pursuance of section three of this Act.
Words in s. 4(2) substituted (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(3)(b); S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
(3) If the finder removes the dog but fails to keep it for at least one month,, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale.
Words in s. 4(3) substituted (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(3)(d); S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
Words “level 1 on the standard scale” substituted (E.W.) by virtue of Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45, SIF 39:1), s. 31(5)(6) and Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), s. 46
(4) The Secretary of State may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, prescribe the procedure to be followed under subsection (2)(a) above and any instrument containing regulations under this subsection shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
S. 4(4) inserted (E.W.) (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(3)(e); S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only.
S. 4 substituted by Dogs (Amendment) Act 1928 (c. 21), s. 2

4 Delivery of stray dogs to police.
(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 4(1) repealed (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1)(2), Sch. 15 para. 3(3)(a), Sch. 16 Pt. IX; S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
(2) Where a dog has been taken to a police station in pursuance of section 150(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 then—
(a) if the finder desires to keep the dog, he shall inform the said police officer of this fact and shall furnish his name and address and the police officer shall, having complied with the procedure (if any) prescribed under subsection (5) below, allow the finder to remove the dog, and thereupon the finder may remove the dog, but shall be under an obligation to keep it for not less than one month;
Words in s. 4(2)(a) substituted (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(3)(c); S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
(b) if the finder does not desire to keep the dog, the said police officer shall treat it as if it had been seized by him in pursuance of section three of this Act.
Words in s. 4(2) substituted (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(3)(b); S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
(3) If the finder removes the dog but fails to keep it for at least one month,, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.
Words in s. 4(3) substituted (1.4.1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(3)(d); S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
Words “level 2 on the standard scale” substituted (S.) by virtue of Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289C(4)(5), 289G and Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45, SIF 81:2), s. 75(b)(i)
(4) Where a person has taken possession of a stray dog, and kept it in accordance with subsection (2)( a ) above for a period of two months without its having been claimed by the person having right to it, the person who has taken possession of it shall, at the end of that period, become the owner of the dog.
S. 4(4) inserted (S.) by Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45, SIF 81:2), s. 75(b)(ii)
(5) The Secretary of State may, by regulations made by statutory instrument, prescribe the procedure to be followed under subsection (2)(a) above and any instrument containing regulations under this subsection shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
S. 4(5) inserted (S.) (1. 4. 1992) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 162(1), Sch. 15 para. 3(3)(e); S.I. 1992/266, art. 3
This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales only.
S. 4 substituted by Dogs (Amendment) Act 1928 (c. 21), s. 2
S. 4 extended (S.) by Animals (Scotland) Act 1987 (c. 9, SIF 4:6), s. 3(2)

5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 5 repealed by Dog Licences Act 1959 (c. 55), Sch.

6 Burying of carcases.
Any person who shall knowingly and without reasonable excuse permit the carcase of any head of cattle belonging to him or under his control to remain unburied in a field or other place to which dogs can gain access shall be liable on conviction under the Summary Jurisdiction Acts to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale.
S. 6 repealed (W.) (12.5.2006) by Animal By-Products (Wales) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1293), regs. 1, 53(1)(b)
S. 6 repealed (E.) (28.9.2005) by Animal By-Products Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2347), regs. 1, 54(1)(b)
Words inserted by Dogs (Amendment) Act 1928 (c. 21), s. 3
Words substituted (E.W.S.) by virtue of (E.W.) Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46 and (S.) Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289F, 289G

7 Definition of cattle.
In this Act the expression “cattle” includes horses, mules, asses, sheep, goats, and swine.

8 Application of Act to Scotland.
This Act shall apply to Scotland with the following modifications:—
(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 8(a) repealed by Police (Scotland) Act 1967 (c. 77), Sch. 5 Pt. I
(b) The expression “police officer” shall mean a constable within the meaning of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012:
Words substituted by Police (Scotland) Act 1967 (c. 77), Sch. 4
Words in s. 8 substituted (S.) (1.4.2013) by The Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 (Consequential Modifications and Savings) Order 2013 (S.S.I. 2013/119), art. 1, sch. 1 para. 1(3)
(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 8(c) repealed by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 1976 (c. 16), Sch. 1 Pt. I
(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 8(d) repealed by Statute Law Revision Act 1927 (c. 42)

9 Application of Act to Ireland.
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Act repealed (N.I.) (19.12.1983) by S.I. 1983/764 (N.I. 8), art. 56(2), Sch. 2; S.R. 1983 No. 376, art. 2.
S. 9 repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), Sch. 1 Pt. 17 Group 1

10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 10 and Schedule repealed by Statute Law Revision Act 1927 (c. 42)

11 †Short title and commencement.
This Act may be cited as the Dogs Act, 1906 . . .
Unreliable margin note
Words repealed by Statute Law Revision Act 1927 (c. 42)
SCHEDULE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 10 and Schedule repealed by Statute Law Revision Act 1927 (c. 42)