As with many types of license, they usually only get checked when you’re caught misbehaving.

If you’re caught not picking up your dogs poo, you’re asked “have you got a licence for that dog”. At which point, if you say no, then you get another charge or two slapped on as well. If you lie and say yes you can get yet another charge slapped on for lying to law enforcement.

Its basically another layer of incentive to follow the law and get a license or the penalties may be higher as a result.