Does anyone know if there is a limit to the number of dogs you are allowed to keep. We have 2 St Bernards and numerous little dogs and were wondering if were breaking the law in anyway.

I would think it depends what sort of houseing you are living in doesn't it? Some landlords and/or Councils have restrictions......

A couple of weeks ago, 'Our Dogs' ran a story about the fact that there is a little used Local Authority regulation about the number of dogs you can keep. Apparently the limit is 6, if you live in an ordinary house in a residential area. Otherwise your home could....... be re designated as something other than a family home. Nobody seemed to know exactly what it would be re designated as though. Although there is a case proceeding somewhere in the country, people don't seem to have problems on the whole. I suppose as long as the neighbours have no cause to complain about noise or smells then things are generally OK. Council owned properties certainly have restrictions.
Dawn R.

I read that too. It's the first time I've ever heard of this. The poor man was being billed for planning permission, and having nothing done to his house!!

Hi Mali fan,

Planning permission is sometimes required when you do anything that affects you property, land, neighbouring land whether directly link to the house or not.

Most properties ( I stress most not all but certainly housing schemes) that are approx 100 years old or less have always had in the title deed that certain amounts of animals require local auth. permission and also persmission from the original feu holder.

This could mean for example that if you bought a Barratt house and they had put some kind of burden or term in the title that you would need to ask not only the local authorities permission but their's also. An example of this is removing a downstairs toliet ( you have to ask both Planning and Barratt for approval. If you sell your house in most cases you have to prove you had permission)

It is a it heavy I agree no doubt but it was and is to protect the neighbour properites comfort, enjoyment and value of their properties.

In Scotland if you have a council property rented or owned you are supposed to ask for permission to have any animal although it is not enforced but the rule is there and the Local Authority can act and use it if they need to.

It is to protect the people of the area, even if it is a bit OTT at times.

Sorry to go on

BFN Pam

Hi Guys,

There is or was an article on our dogs website, you can search in google for the rules I found them this week but never saved the link. If I find it again I will post it.

Anyway just wanted to say that a council By-Law is not only applicable to council house tenants ( I know most of you know this but thought I would mention it for those who don't)

It covers the area that that council governs (there is exception of course but generally)

IE If Fife Council bring out a By-law it applies to everyone living in Fife regardless of your residential status.

I would imagine any changes would be directed at those abusing it, not people who look after their animals, premises and don't cause nusiance.

BFN Pam