Dog owners have been warned to licence their pets or face potential prosecution and a $250 fine.

The Department of Environmental Protection issued the warning after a pit bull was found wandering on Church Street without a collar, licence or micro chip items required under law.

Department director Fred Ming: "We are going to make every effort to ensure all dog owners have the required licence for their dog. Owners who don't licence their dogs will be brought before the courts and could face a fine."

The young, female pit bull was found wandering outside Global House on Thursday .

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Environment and Sports all puppies must be chipped by the department and licenced in order to be legal.

Added a spokesperson: "It is the breeder's responsibility as per the Breeders' Permit to licence their puppies before they sell them. It is an offence to receive a puppy from an unlicenced source."

Animal related complaints should be directed to the department on 239-2327. After hours complaints should be directed to the on-duty animal warden on 295-0011.

Continued the spokesperson: "Concerning other offences under the Dogs Act 2008, penalties for people found guilty of an offence under the Act include imprisonment not exceeding six months, or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both imprisonment and fine and for a second or subsequent conviction under the same provision, the maximum fine shall be an amount not exceeding $20,000."