Dogs
DOG CONTROL ACT
CHAPTER 67:56
LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Act
11 of 2013
Amended by
3 of 2014
Current Authorised Pages
Pages Authorised
(inclusive) by L.R.O.
1–23 ..
L.R.O. UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
2 Chap. 67:56 Dog Control
LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Note on Subsidiary Legislation
This Chapter contains no subsidiary legislation.
Note on Commencement
At the date of the Revision of this Act, sections 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 27 and 29 were not
yet in operation. (See LN 226/2014).
Note on Act No. 3 of 2014
(1) Act No. 3 of 2014 which amends this Act was brought into operation on 2nd June 2014.
(See LN 227/2014).
(2) Section 29 of Act No. 11 of 2013 repealed sections 15, 16 and 17 of the Dogs Act
Chap. 67:54 and section 30 repealed the Dangerous Dogs Act No. 32 of 2000.
However, up to the date of the Revision of this Act, section 29 had not yet been
proclaimed.
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
Dog Control Chap. 67:56 3
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L.R.O.
CHAPTER 67:56
DOG CONTROL ACT
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
SECTION
1. Short title.
2. Commencement.
3. Act inconsistent with Constitution.
4. Interpretation.
5. Control of dogs.
5A. Responsibility for care of dogs.
6. Registration of class A dogs.
7. Licensing of class A dogs.
8. Ministry to take charge of class A dogs.
9. Obligation to secure premises.
10. Keeping an unlicensed class A dog.
11. Obligation on owner of class A dog to hold policy of insurance.
12. Cancellation or lapse of policy.
13. Joinder of insurer as co-defendant.
14. Prohibition from certain places.
15. Obligation not to abandon class A dog.
16. Obligation to train class A dog.
17. Liability for escape of class A dog.
18. Notice.
19. Injury or death by a class A dog.
20. Inciting a dog to attack a person.
21. Destruction and disqualification orders.
22. Seizure of dogs.
23. Issue of warrant.
24. Exemption.
25. Impounding or destruction of class A dog due to non-compliance
with Act.
25A. Offences by a body corporate.
26. Civil actions.
26A. Minister may amend Schedule.
27. Kennels.
28. Regulations.
SCHEDULE.
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
4 Chap. 67:56 Dog Control
LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
CHAPTER 67:56
DOG CONTROL ACT
An Act to provide for the control of dogs and to regulate the
manner in which certain breeds of dogs are kept by their
owners or keepers; to repeal the Dangerous Dogs Act,
2000 and for related matters.
*[ASSENTED TO 31ST JULY 2013]
WHEREAS it is provided that by subsection (1) of section 13 of the
Constitution that an Act of Parliament to which that section
applies may expressly declare that it shall have effect even
though inconsistent with sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution and,
if any such Act does so declare, it shall have effect accordingly:
And whereas it is provided by subsection (2) of the said
section 13 that an Act of Parliament to which that section applies
is one the Bill for which has been passed by both Houses of
Parliament and at the final vote thereon in each House has been
supported by the votes of not less than three-fifths of all the
members of that House:
And whereas it is necessary and expedient that the provisions
of this Act shall have effect even though inconsistent with
sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution:
1. This Act may be cited as the Dog Control Act.
*2. Sections 1 to 5, 5A, 8, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23,
24, 25, 26, 26A, 28, 30 and the Schedule came into operation on
2nd June 2014.
3. This Act shall have effect even though inconsistent with
sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution.
4. (1) In this Act—
“advertisement” includes any means of bringing a matter to the
attention of the public;
11 of 2013.
Preamble.
Short title.
Commencement.
[226/2014].
Act inconsistent
with sections 4
and 5 of the
Constitution.
Interpretation.
[3 of 2014].
*See Note on Commencement at page 2.
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
Dog Control Chap. 67:56 5
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L.R.O.
“assistance dog” means—
(a) a dog which has been trained to guide a blind
person;
(b) a dog which has been trained to assist a deaf
person; or
(c) a dog which has been trained to assist a disabled
person;
“class A dog” means—
(a) a dog of the type listed in the Schedule or any
dog bred therefrom; or
(b) any dog which has the appearance and
physical characteristics predominantly
conforming to the standards of any of the types
listed in the Schedule, as established by the
Federation Cynologique Internationale, United
Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club or the
American Kennel Club as certified by a
veterinary surgeon;
“class B dog” means a dog other than a class A dog;
“constable” includes any member of the Police Service and any
member of a Municipal Police Service within the meaning
of Part III of the Municipal Corporations Act or any officer
of an agency of the State, lawfully vested with powers
similar to those exercisable by a police officer appointed
under the Police Service Act;
“Court” means the Magistrates’ Court;
“dog” includes a bitch;
“insurer” has the same meaning ascribed to it in section 2 of the
Insurance Act;
“keeper” means a person who is responsible for a class A dog or
a class B dog;
“kennel” means any premises where more than five class A dogs
are kept and maintained, and includes any establishment
engaged in the business of boarding and selling dogs or
where the breeding of dogs for sale is carried on;
Schedule.
Ch. 25:04.
Ch. 15:01.
Ch. 84:01.
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
6 Chap. 67:56 Dog Control
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“local authority” means the Council of a Municipal Corporation
within the meaning of the Municipal Corporations Act, or
the Tobago House of Assembly;
“microchip” means an encoded identification device approved by
the Minister in accordance with section 7(6) of this Act
which is implanted into a dog, containing a unique code that
permits or facilitates access to owner information and which
information is stored in a database established and
maintained by the Ministry;
“Minister” means the Minister to whom responsibility for
local government is assigned and “Ministry” shall be
construed accordingly;
“owner” means a person who owns or is otherwise in possession
of a class A dog or a class B dog;
“prescribed” means prescribed by Regulations;
“public place” means any street, road or other place (whether or
not enclosed) to which the public has or is permitted to have
access whether for payment or otherwise;
“veterinary surgeon” means a veterinary surgeon registered under
the Veterinary Surgeons (Registration) Act.
(2) In this Act, references to a person being responsible
for a dog are to a person who is responsible for a dog whether on
a permanent or temporary basis.
(3) In this Act, references to being responsible for a dog
include being in charge of it.
(4) For the purposes of this Act, a person who owns a
dog shall be regarded as being a person who is responsible for it.
(5) For the purposes of this Act, a person shall be treated
as being responsible for any dog of which a person under the age
of eighteen years in his care and control is in charge.
(6) For the purposes of this Act, a dog shall be regarded
as dangerously out of control if it is not being kept under control,
by whatever means, by the owner or keeper, and—
(a) it injures any person; or
Ch. 25:04.
Ch. 67:04.
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
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(b) there are grounds for reasonable
apprehension that it will injure any person
whether or not it actually does so.
(7) For the purposes of this Act, “reasonable
apprehension” means apprehension as to—
(a) the person’s own safety; or
(b) the safety of another person.
(8) In this Act, references to a class A dog or class B dog
injuring a person or there being reasonable grounds for
apprehension that it will do so, do not include references to a dog
being used for a lawful purpose by a constable or a person in the
service of the State.
(9) For the purposes of this Act, reasonable cause
includes situations where—
(a) the person attacked was committing an offence
for which the penalty could be a term of
imprisonment;
(b) the person attacked was in a place where he was
trespassing or was in a place where he was not
permitted to be and the place was secured by a
fence or wall in accordance with section 9;
(c) the dog is being used for a lawful purpose by a
constable or a person in the service of the State;
(d) the dog was provoked into an attack by a person
other than the person responsible for it;
(e) the dog was being attacked by another
animal; or
(f) the dog is being trained or is participating in an
event in which it demonstrates its ability.
5. (1) No owner or keeper of a dog shall permit the dog to
enter any public place at which notices are prominently displayed
prohibiting entry to dogs, unless the dog—
(a) is an assistance dog;
(b) is being used for the purpose of securing the
location; or
Control of
dogs.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
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Responsibility
for care of dogs.
(c) is being used for a lawful purpose by a constable
or a person in the service of the State.
(2) Subject to subsection (1), no owner or keeper of a
class A dog shall permit the dog to enter a public place unless—
(a) the dog is securely fitted with a muzzle
sufficient to prevent it from biting any person;
(b) the dog is securely held on a lead by a person
who is not less than eighteen years old and who
is capable of controlling the dog; and
(c) the owner or keeper, with the dog, has attended
and completed a course of training in the control
of dogs that is recognised by the Minister by
Order and documentary proof of such training is
presented on request to any authorised
representative of the owner or manager of the
public place.
(3) No owner or keeper of a dog shall—
(a) permit the dog to be dangerously out of control
in a public place;
(b) encourage the dog to be aggressive or to
intimidate a person to facilitate the commission
of a crime; or
(c) permit or cause the dog to attack a person
without reasonable cause.
(4) A person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2),
commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine
of fifty thousand dollars.
(5) A person who contravenes subsection (3) commits
an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty
thousand dollars and to imprisonment for one year.
5A. Every person who keeps a dog shall provide the dog or
cause it to be provided with adequate and appropriate care, food,
water, shelter, exercise, attention and veterinary care as may be
required to meet the needs of the dog.
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
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6. (1) A person who owns a class A dog shall, within six
months of the coming into force of this Act or within one month
of becoming the owner of the dog, whichever is later, register the
dog in the prescribed form with the local authority for the area
where he resides.
(2) Every owner of a pup of a class A dog shall register
the pup in accordance with this section where the pup is at least
six months old or whose canines have descended.
(3) In order to ensure compliance with this Act, the
Ministry may require a veterinary surgeon to certify promptly in
writing, the type of a dog.
(4) An owner of a class A dog shall notify the local
authority of a change of residence and any other change of
information on the register.
7. (1) A person who owns a class A dog shall, within six
months of the coming into force of this Act or within one month
of becoming the owner of the dog, whichever is later, apply for
and obtain a licence in the prescribed form from the local
authority for the area where he resides and the dog is kept.
(2) A local authority shall maintain a register in the
prescribed form of all licences issued under this section.
(3) The register mentioned in subsection (2) shall be
open to the public for inspection during normal working hours.
(4) The Ministry shall establish and maintain a database
of all class A dogs and that database shall contain such
information as prescribed under section 28.
(5) A local authority shall not issue a licence to the
owner of a class A dog unless the owner—
(a) presents to the local authority—
(i) a certificate in the prescribed form
verifying that the premises on which the
dog is to be kept have been inspected and
approved in accordance with section 9;
Registration of
class A dogs.
[3 of 2014].
Licensing of
class A dogs.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
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(ii) a policy of insurance issued in
accordance with section 11;
(iii) a certificate of good character issued by
the Commissioner of Police not less than
six months prior to the date of the
application and he has not been convicted
of a criminal offence for which the
penalty is a term of imprisonment of one
year or more; and
(iv) a certificate issued by a veterinary
surgeon certifying that the dog is a class A
dog;
(b) has paid the licence fee specified in
subsection (7);
(c) has caused a microchip to be implanted by a
veterinary surgeon in the dog as a means of
identifying the dog; and
(d) has satisfied the local authority that he is able to
adequately and appropriately care for the dog.
(6) The Minister may by Order specify the type of
microchip to be implanted in a class A dog.
(7) Subject to subsection (8), the licence fee required to
be paid to a local authority is—
(a) one thousand dollars per dog where an owner
owns one or two class A dogs; or
(b) fifteen hundred dollars per dog where an owner
owns more than two class A dogs,
except that the licence fee shall be five hundred dollars per dog
where each class A dog has been spayed or neutered.
(8) The Minister may by Order vary the licence fees
mentioned in subsection (7).
(9) Every licence issued in accordance with this
section is valid for a period not exceeding two years from the
date of its issue.
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
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(10) Notwithstanding any other written law, all monies
received in respect of licences granted under this Act shall be
retained by the local authority for the purposes of administering
this Act.
(11) Upon the granting of a licence under this Act, there
shall be issued and delivered to the licensee or his agent, a metal
label or other badge bearing a registration number in such form
as may be prescribed.
(12) A person who owns a class A dog shall ensure that—
(a) the dog wears a collar at all times; and
(b) the metal label or badge referred to in
subsection (11) is at all times securely affixed to
the collar worn by the dog.
(13) An owner of a class A dog shall inform the local
authority of the loss or death of his dog at the earliest
opportunity.
(14)
(15)
(16) A person who—
(a) contravenes this section; or
(b) removes or defaces the metal label, badge,
microchip or such other form of
identification referred to in subsection (11),
commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine
of fifty thousand dollars and to imprisonment for one year.
(17) A certificate referred to in subsection (5)(a)(iv) or
section 6(3), unless the contrary is proven, is conclusive evidence
of the matter certified.
(18) (Repealed by Act No. 3 of 2014).
} (Repealed by Act No. 3 of 2014).
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
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8. (1) An owner or keeper of a class A dog who is unable
to fulfil the requirements of this Act shall notify the Ministry of
that fact and transfer possession of the dog to the Ministry.
(2) Where the Ministry has taken possession of a class A
dog under subsection (1), it may—
(a) give the dog to a person who is able to care
properly for the dog; or
(b) give the dog to an establishment for the
reception of stray dogs.
(3) Where the class A dog has not been given to a person
or an establishment under subsection (2) within seven days, the
dog shall be destroyed in a manner to cause as little pain as
possible by a veterinary surgeon.
9. (1) A person who owns or keeps a class A dog shall
ensure that the premises on which that dog is kept are secured by
a fence or wall of the prescribed dimensions and that such fence
or wall is so constructed and maintained as to prevent the escape
of the dog.
(2) For the purposes of this section, “fence or wall”
includes a gate.
(3) An authorised officer of a local authority or a
constable may, upon producing a duly authenticated document in
the prescribed form showing his authority, enter any premises
upon which a class A dog is kept at all reasonable hours to inspect
those premises for the purpose of ensuring compliance with
subsection (1).
(4) Upon being so satisfied, the authorized officer shall
issue a certificate of compliance in the prescribed form.
(5) Where the authorised officer is not so satisfied, he
shall draw to the attention of the occupier of the premises the
areas of non-compliance and issue to the occupier a notice
directing him to comply with subsection (1) within a fixed time.
Ministry to take
charge of class
A dogs.
[3 of 2014].
Obligation to
secure premises.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
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(6) A person who—
(a) contravenes this section; or
(b) fails to comply with a notice under
subsection (5) within the fixed time,
commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine
of fifty thousand dollars and to imprisonment for one year.
10. A person who keeps a class A dog which is not licensed
in accordance with this Act, commits an offence and is liable on
summary conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars
and to imprisonment for three years.
11. (1) A person who owns a class A dog shall have a policy
of insurance that provides coverage in respect of each claim for
injury or death caused by that dog in the sum of not less than two
hundred and fifty thousand dollars or such higher sum as the
Minister may prescribe by Order.
(2) A person shall not keep a class A dog unless there is in
force a policy of insurance of the type referred to in subsection (1).
(3) A person who contravenes this section commits an
offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of seventy-
five thousand dollars and to imprisonment for three years.
(4) A policy of insurance shall be a policy which—
(a) is issued by a person who is an insurer; and
(b) insures the owner and any authorised keeper
specified in the policy against any liability
which may be incurred by him in respect of the
death of, or injury to a person, livestock or other
animal caused by a dog in relation to which the
policy of insurance under this section, is in
force.
(5) Where payment is made by an insurer under a policy
issued under this Act, or by the owner or keeper of a class A dog
in respect of the death of, or injury to a person and the person
who has died or suffered injury has, to the knowledge of the
Keeping an
unlicensed
class A dog.
Obligation on
owner of
class A dog to
hold policy of
insurance.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
14 Chap. 67:56 Dog Control
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insurer or owner, received treatment in a medical institution in
respect of the fatal or other injury, there shall also be paid by the
insurer to the owner of the institution, the expenses reasonably
incurred in the treatment of that injury.
12. (1) Where a policy of insurance required under
section 11 is no longer in force, the owner of the class A dog in
respect of which the policy is issued shall, within forty-eight
hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, inform
the local authority.
(2) Where it comes to the attention of the local authority
that a policy of insurance required under section 11 is no longer
in force, the authority shall revoke the licence issued in
accordance with section 7.
(3) The owner of a class A dog who fails to comply with
subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary
conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars and to imprisonment
for one year.
(4) Where the owner of a class A dog is convicted under
subsection (3), the Court shall—
(a) in addition to any order made pursuant to
subsection (3), make an order that the owner
take out a policy of insurance required under
this Act in respect of the class A dog within one
month of the date of the conviction or such
reasonable time as the Court thinks fit; and
(b) impound the class A dog until a policy of
insurance, as required by section 11 is obtained
and the owner shall be liable for any expenses
incurred in the impounding of the dog.
(5) Where the owner fails to comply with the order
made under subsection (4), the relevant local authority may—
(a) give the dog to a person who will care properly
for the dog; or
Cancellation or
lapse of policy.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
Dog Control Chap. 67:56 15
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(b) give the dog to an establishment for the
reception of stray dogs.
(6) Where the class A dog has not been given to a
person or an establishment under subsection (5) within seven
days, the dog shall be destroyed by a veterinary surgeon in a
manner to cause as little pain as possible.
13. (1) Where a claimant brings a civil action for damages
against any person who is required by this Act to have in force a
policy of insurance, then even though—
(a) liability as between the claimant and the insured
has not yet been determined; or
(b) the insurer may be entitled to avoid or cancel or
may have avoided or cancelled the policy,
the claimant may, subject to this section, join the insurer as a
co-defendant in the action.
(2) Where an insurer is joined as a co-defendant under
subsection (1), the insurer may raise any defence that he may be
entitled to under the policy of insurance or otherwise.
(3) Where the insurer is joined as a co-defendant or is
required to make a payment to any person entitled under
section 11(4), he shall be liable subject to subsection (2) to satisfy
the judgment that may be obtained against the insured, in addition to
all costs and interest payable in respect of such judgment and any
other costs for which the insured may be made liable.
(4) A person who desires to institute proceedings under
this section may require the insured to provide, within fourteen
days, the name and address of the insurer, the date of the policy,
and such other particulars as may be required to enable him to
institute such proceedings.
(5) Upon receipt of the particulars referred to in
subsection (4), or where the person has obtained those particulars
in any other manner, whichever is earlier, the person shall give to
the insurer twenty-eight days notice of his intention to institute
proceedings under this section.
Joinder of
insurer as
co-defendant.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
16 Chap. 67:56 Dog Control
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(6) This section also applies where a claimant brings an
action in his capacity as the personal representative of a person
who suffered fatal injuries or as a guardian ad litem or on behalf
of a person who is under a disability or is a minor.
14. (1) A person who owns or keeps a class A dog shall
keep that dog under control in his enclosed premises.
(2) A person shall not keep a class A dog on premises,
whether indoors or outdoors, that accommodate more than one
household.
(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2)
commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine
of fifty thousand dollars and to imprisonment for one year.
(4) If the owner or keeper of a class A dog, without
reasonable cause, allows it to enter private premises where it is
not permitted to be, and—
(a) there are reasonable grounds for
apprehension that it will injure any person, the
owner or keeper commits an offence and is
liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty
thousand dollars and to imprisonment for one
year; or
(b) the dog injures any person, the owner or keeper
commits an offence and is liable on summary
conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand
dollars and to imprisonment for five years.
(5) Where a class A dog enters onto private premises,
the owner or occupier of those premises may destroy the dog
while it is on those premises.
15. (1) An owner or keeper of a class A dog shall not
abandon the dog.
(2) A person who contravenes this section commits an
offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty
thousand dollars and to imprisonment for two years.
Prohibition
from certain
places.
[3 of 2014].
Obligation not
to abandon
class A dog.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
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16. (1) An owner or keeper of a class A dog shall cause that
dog to be trained by a certified dog trainer.
(2) An owner or keeper of a class B dog shall cause that
dog to be trained by a certified dog trainer where it has come to
the attention of a constable or an authorised officer or a local
authority that the dog has been dangerously out of control on at
least one occasion.
(3) A certified dog trainer is a person who is
recognised by the Minister by Order, as being approved to
conduct such training.
(4) A person who contravenes this section commits an
offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty
thousand dollars and to imprisonment for one year.
17. Where a class A dog escapes from any premises, the
owner or keeper of that dog shall be liable in civil proceedings
for any death, injury or damage caused by that dog.
18. (1) A person who owns a class A dog or keeps a class A
dog on his premises or owns a class B dog that has been
dangerously out of control on at least one occasion shall cause to
be displayed in a prominent place on the premises, a notice
indicating that there is a class A dog or a dangerous class B dog
on the premises.
(2) A person who contravenes this section commits an
offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of ten
thousand dollars.
19. (1) Where a class A dog injures a person, without
reasonable cause whether in a public place or on private
premises, the owner or keeper of the dog commits an offence and
is liable on summary conviction to a fine of one hundred
thousand dollars and to imprisonment for five years.
(2) Where a class A dog kills a person or causes the
death of a person, without reasonable cause, the owner or keeper
of the dog commits an offence and is liable on summary
conviction to a fine of two hundred thousand dollars and to
imprisonment for ten years.
Obligation to
train class A
dog.
Liability for
escape of
class A dog.
Notice.
[3 of 2014].
Injury or death
by a class A
dog.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
18 Chap. 67:56 Dog Control
LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
(3) Where a class A dog injures or kills a person or
animal or causes the death of a person or animal while on, or
outside private premises, the Court may order the seizure and
destruction of that dog where the attack was unprovoked or was
encouraged or incited by another person to attack the person or
animal injured or killed thereby.
20. (1) A person who, without reasonable cause, incites a
dog to attack another person causing grievous bodily harm or
resulting in death, commits an offence and is liable on summary
conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars and to imprisonment
for two years.
(2) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an
offence under this section to establish that—
(a) the other person was committing a criminal
offence against the person charged;
(b) the other person was committing a criminal
offence against the spouse, the child or any
other person under the care of the person
charged; or
(c) the person charged had reasonable cause to fear
an attack on himself, his spouse, his child or any
other person in his care.
(3) This section does not apply to the training of dogs.
21. (1) Where a person is convicted of an offence under this
Act, the Court may—
(a) order that the dog be sold or given to a person
who will, in the opinion of the Court, care
properly for the dog;
(b) order that the dog be sold or given to an
establishment for the reception of stray dogs;
(c) where the dog is a class A dog—
(i) order the destruction of that dog by a
veterinary surgeon, in a manner to cause
as little pain as possible; and
Inciting a dog
to attack a
person.
[3 of 2014].
Destruction and
disqualification
orders.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
Dog Control Chap. 67:56 19
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L.R.O.
(ii) order the offender to be disqualified from
owning or keeping a class A dog for such
period as the Court thinks fit.
(d) (Repealed by Act No. 3 of 2014).
(2) Where a Court makes an order under
subsection (1)(a) or (b), the dog shall not be sold or given for the
purposes of vivisection.
(3) Where a Court makes an order under
subsection (1)(c), in respect of a class A dog owned by a person
other than the offender, the owner may appeal against the order.
(4) A class A dog shall not be destroyed pursuant to an
order under subsection (1)(c)—
(a) before the end of the period for giving notice of
appeal against the order; and
(b) if the notice of appeal is given within that
period before the appeal is determined or
withdrawn.
(5) Where a Court makes an order under
subsection (1)(c), it may order the offender to pay such sum as
the Court may determine to be the reasonable expenses incurred
in destroying the class A dog and in keeping it, pending its
destruction.
(6) Any sum ordered to be paid under
subsection (5) shall, for the purposes of enforcement, be treated
as if it were a fine imposed on conviction.
(7) A person who owns or keeps a class A dog in
contravention of an order under subsection (1)(c) commits an
offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty
thousand dollars and to imprisonment for one year.
(8) Where an owner or keeper has contravened any
provision of this Act on more than one occasion, the Court
may order that the dog be taken away from its owner or
keeper and make such other order as is provided for in
section 21(1)(a) or (b).
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
20 Chap. 67:56 Dog Control
LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
22. (1) A constable or officer of a local authority has the
power to seize and cause to be impounded a dog which he has
reason to believe is—
(a) in a public place in contravention of section 5;
or
(b) on any premises without the consent of the
owner or occupier of those premises.
(2) Where no one claims to be the owner or keeper of a
dog within seven days of the seizing of the dog under subsection
(1), the dog shall be deemed not to have an owner or keeper and
the local authority may—
(a) give the dog to a person who will care properly
for the dog;
(b) give the dog to an establishment for the
reception of stray dogs; or
(c) cause the dog to be destroyed by a veterinary
surgeon in a manner to cause as little pain as
possible.
23. A Magistrate who is satisfied by information on oath,
that there are reasonable grounds for believing—
(a) that an offence under this Act is being or has
been committed; or
(b) that evidence of the commission of any such
offence is to be found on any premises,
may issue a warrant authorising a constable to enter and search
those premises and to seize any class A dog or other thing found
there, which is evidence of the commission of such an offence.
24. (1) Any reference in this Act to a keeper of a class A dog
shall not include a veterinary surgeon who keeps a class A dog in a
professional capacity for the purposes of compliance with this Act.
(2) Where a veterinary surgeon keeps a class A dog in a
professional capacity for the purposes of—
(a) administering medical treatment to the dog; or
Seizure of
dogs.
[3 of 2014].
Issue of
warrant.
Exemption.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
Dog Control Chap. 67:56 21
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(b) compliance with this Act,
he is not required to hold a licence in accordance with this Act.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), where a veterinary
surgeon boards a class A dog in his premises, he is required to
secure those premises in the prescribed manner so as to prevent
the escape of the dog.
(4) A veterinary surgeon who fails to comply with
subsection (3) commits an offence and is liable on summary
conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars.
(5) The owner of an establishment for the reception of
stray dogs that keeps a class A dog is not required to hold a
licence in accordance with this Act.
(6) Notwithstanding subsection (5), the owner of an
establishment for the reception of stray dogs that keeps a class A
dog is required to secure those premises in the prescribed manner
so as to prevent the escape of the dog.
25. (1) Where an owner or keeper of a class A dog has not
fulfilled a requirement under this Act, the local authority shall
issue a notice directing the owner or keeper to fulfil the
requirement within seven days and impound the dog until the
requirement is fulfilled.
(2) Where an owner or keeper of a class A dog fails to
comply with a notice under subsection (1), the local authority
shall inform the owner or keeper of that fact.
(3) Where an owner or keeper of a class A dog has not
fulfilled the requirements three days after receiving notice under
subsection (2), the local authority shall cause the class A dog to
be destroyed in a manner to cause as little pain as possible by a
veterinary surgeon.
25A. Where a body corporate commits an offence under this
Act, it is liable to a fine of two hundred thousand dollars.
Impounding or
destruction of
class A dog due
to non-
compliance
with Act.
Offences by a
body corporate.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
22 Chap. 67:56 Dog Control
LAWS OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
26. (1) Nothing in this Act prevents a person from bringing
an action under any other law in respect of any death, injury or
damage caused by a dog.
(2) The common law principle of scienter does not
apply where an action is brought in respect of a dog under any
other law.
26A. (1) If it appears to the Minister that any type of class B
dogs presents a serious danger to the public, he may by Order
impose in relation to that type of dog, such restrictions as those
provided in this Act with such modification as he thinks
appropriate.
(2) The Minister may by Order amend the Schedule.
(3) An Order made under this section is subject to
negative resolution of Parliament.
27. Any person who keeps more than five class A dogs shall
be deemed to be operating a kennel and shall be subject to the
Regulations pertaining to kennels.
28. (1) The Minister may make Regulations for
carrying into effect this Act.
(2) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Minister may make Regulations for—
(a) the fees to be charged under this Act;
(b) the form, recording and insertion of the
microchip;
(c) the form of registration;
(d) the form, issuance and renewal of licences;
(e) the dimensions of the fence or wall of the
premises as required under section 9;
(f) the conditions relating to the seizure, detention
and destruction of dogs under this Act;
(g) the operation of kennels; and
(h) the conditions for the care and control of dogs.
Civil actions.
Minister may
amend
Schedule.
Kennels.
Regulations.
[3 of 2014].
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
Dog Control Chap. 67:56 23
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(3) Regulations made under this section shall be subject
to negative resolution of Parliament.
(4) Regulations made pursuant to this Act may
prescribe penalties not exceeding fifty thousand dollars for
offences committed thereunder.
SCHEDULE
CLASS A DOGS
1. American Pit Bull Terrier
2. American Staffordshire Terrier
3. American Bully
4. Dogo Argentino
5. Japanese Tosa
6. Fila Brasileiro.
Section 4.
UNOFFICIAL VERSION
UPDATED TO DECEMBER 31ST 2014
MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS www.legalaffairs.gov.tt
