Byelaws are secondary pieces of legislation made under Primary Acts of Tynwald to cater for local authority area problems. For example, the Dogs Act 1990 can be enforced throughout the Island but the Douglas Dog Control, Byelaws 2008 can only be enforced in Douglas and specificy control measures relating to areas within the Borough.

Byelaws are permitted and made by local authorities to prevent nuisance and aid good governance of the district. The Council has carried out a major review and consultation process of all byelaws affecting Douglas. These byelaws will assist the borough wardens and police, in our aim to ensure we keep Douglas a clean and pleasant living and working environment.

The current active byelaws are: