Anyone owning a dog should be aware of some aspects of dog law. I will not attempt to reinvent the wheel here but I will give a summary and add some very useful links.

1. Ownership. Your dog must wear an identity disc on a collar even if microchipped (The Control of Dogd order, 1992). Your name and address is to be included on this and your telephone number is advisable. POtential fines for not having a collar with identity tag is up to £5,000.00 

2. People under the age of 16 are not considered responsible for the dog if it fouls or misbehaves. The head of the household or the registered owner of the dog is liable when the dog is walked by a minor. However, if a person over the age of 16, not the registered owner or head of household walks the dog, this person is liable for its behaviour  (Animals Act, 1971).

3. If you are prosecuted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 this is a criminal offense and will impact your ability to travel oversease and secure emplyment. The Animals Act is an alternative law and proceedings can be commenced under either act in cases of dangerous dogs.

4. You need to be aware that the Dangerous Dogs Act and the Animals Act includes dealing with dangerous dogs on private propert where someone has the right or permission to be. Therefore, just because your dog is on private property does not mean that it is acceptable for him to bite someone.  

Information and advice about dog law in the United Kingdom

http://www.doglaw.co.uk/- Coopers solicitors is the acknowledged U.K expert on dog law.