Historical Laws Concerning Dogs

Dogs have been with us for a very long time. They may have lived alongside us since humans first came into existence.

But perhaps we have not cared for dogs as well as we think. These days, many books are published on topics such as homemade food recipes and making soap and shampoo for companion dogs. Surprisingly, laws governing how dogs should be handled existed as early as the 15th century, and by today's standards, English law at the time was extremely harsh and inhumane.

The laws were compiled in a book by John Manwood, a barrister who also served as a member of the House of Commons during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Held at the Kennel Club Library in London, it is the library's oldest book and is titled “Lawes in the Forrest.”

Under this law, anyone wishing to own a dog had to obtain a special permit. Otherwise, the pads of the dog's paws or the tendons in its legs would be cut to prevent it from hunting. People who kept dogs without a permit and did not disable them faced severe punishment.

“Booke of Hunting,” written by George Turberville in 1576, around the same period, explains how to keep dogs inside the home.

Whether good or bad, the existence of rules governing the treatment of dogs centuries ago shows that dogs have maintained a special relationship with humans for a very long time.