Monk's list of 5 Laws relevant to Assistance Dogs in the UK (and NI)

What laws should I be aware of when considering an assistance dog?

A lot of people want to know the wider impact of having a Assistance dog, and the laws that my protect them if something and work or access issue occurs. We have compiled a short list of the 5 pieces legislation people should be aware of. This is by no means a definitive list, and should be treated more as sign post and lose guidance. If your worried or have a problem that your not sure how to handle there are many support groups and advocates that can help. The Assistance Dog Council is one that I help with.

· Equality act 2010 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.

· Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Northern Ireland) https://www.equalityni.org/ECNI/media/ECNI/Publications/Individuals/DisabilityDiscrimShortGuide2011.pdf The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) works to protect people with disabilities from discrimination in Northern Ireland.

· Dangerous dog act 1991 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/contents The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom prohibiting or restricting certain types of dogs and codifying the criminal offence of allowing a dog of any breed to be dangerously out of control.

· Animal welfare act 2006 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/contents The welfare of all animals is protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal. The Act also contains a duty of care to animals - anyone responsible for an animal must take reasonable steps to make sure the animal's welfare needs are met.

· Antisocial behaviour crime and policing act 2014 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/12/contents/enacted The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 replaced 19 existing mechanisms to tackle anti-social behaviour with six reformed remedies. These are civil injunctions, criminal behaviour orders, community protection notices, public spaces protection orders, new closure powers and dispersal powers.

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