has anyone heard of the dogs under draft act, if so do you know where i can get a copy

thanks

Gill

I'm not sure of the date, but I think you are referring to the Act initiated by Edward VII whilst still Prince of Wales, who was supposedly very upset at seeing how dogs used as draught animals were treated. It made it illegal for any dog to be used as a draught animal on Public Highway, Common Lands etc, although permitted on private land. This is why all the sled dog rallies are held on military lands and large country parks. I believe the original fine of £5.00 still stands if you are caught using your dog in public areas. Although a negligible amount now, it must have been a horrendous amount in the late 19th Century when £100.00 for an annual salary was thought quite good!
I often wonder if I am transgressing the law as I put a backpack on my Malamute to go shopping with - very useful indeed!;)
Jean

I believe the 'Draft Act' you refer to is Sec 9 Protection of Animals, Act 1911, which states, 'if any person shall use, or cause or procure, or being the owner permit to be used, any dog for the purpose of drawing or helping to draw any cart, carrige, truck or barrow, on any PUBLIC HIGHWAY, he shall be guilty of an offence.

That's the one! But I was given the impression it was earlier than that from my dog books. Still, it does sound right and not everything you read is accurate, even though it does read more romantic.
Jean

so reading the Act it doesn't cover common land so I assume that we could run a rig on common land if we can find some quiet enough. but it does cover Green Lanes which is a pity,
oh and the fine isn't £5 any more it's classified as level 1

full text is here http://www.animallaw.info/nonus/statutes/stukuk1911c27.htm

Neil

I thought you could apply for a permit from your local council to allow you to run your rigs in their area?
Bec

You probably can, as is the case with the forestry commission although it can be a very frustrating process!

Neil

Neil, I looked at your link, thanks for finding it, I spent hours last night trying to find details as my old dog book was very vague and I became very interested trying to find out the actual facts. Never thought to look for it in America, I was restricting my search to the UK;)
I am assuming that, since it states public highway in your link that all footpaths etc would be covered in the restriction.
So how much am I likely to be fined for using my dog for what it was bred for? Is it more than £5.00?;)
Jean

Jean the definition of a "Highway" under the Highways Act 1980 is " a way over which all members of the public have a right to pass and repass by foot, on horseback, or accompanied by a beast of burden or with vehicles or cattle" In "Butterworths Police Law" this is explained as embracing: carriageways, bridleways and footpaths. Note there is nothing in the 1911 Act to say that your dog cannot "carry" as opposed to pull, so you can put packs on its back (as long as it does not cause suffering) and walk down the street, but you cannot put them in harness to pull your shopping cart. :-).

as for the fine yes it's more than £5.00 I think level 1 is presently up to £200.

Neil

Does that mean that at the end of a long cycle ride, I have to keep peddling ;)
Joan :)