Overview

• The Control of Dogs Order 1992 requires identification on a collar, plate or tag whenever a dog is in a public place.
• Recent coverage reiterates that non‑compliance can lead to penalties reported up to £5,000.
• Legally acceptable details include the owner’s name and an address, with a house number and postcode sufficient.
• D for Dogs advises adding a contact phone number and noting microchipped status to speed reunification, though these are not legal requirements.
• Some owners report safety and nuisance issues with metal tags and opt for stitched collars, breakaway options or GPS trackers as alternatives.