The purpose of the code of practice is to provide practical guidance to help you to comply with the provisions of Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The code of practice does not tell you precisely how to care for a dog, but summarises important things you should consider when making decisions about how best to care for your dog.

Breach of a provision of this Code is not an offence in itself but, if proceedings are brought against you for an offence under Section 9 of the Act, the Court will look at whether or not you have complied with the Code in deciding whether you have committed an offence.

https://www.cnwa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pb13333-cop-dogs-091204.pdf