Can I walk my dog off lead on a public footpath?
Eva Hagenes
2025-05-21 04:25:51
Count answers: 2
In general you don't have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as they are under close control. Though please be aware of any local laws that may be in place. As a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on their obedience. Access rights apply to people walking dogs as long as their dogs are kept under proper control. Keep dogs under control. Keep your dog under control always so as not to disturb wildlife or annoy or frighten other visitors. You may not be able to take your dog at all in some areas or at some times. Please follow any official signs.
Elwyn Yundt
2025-05-21 01:11:23
Count answers: 4
Dogs on public footpaths must be under control at all times. While dogs do not have to be on a lead on a public right of way, they must be under control. If the owner cannot ensure this then the dog should be kept on a lead, and a landowner can request that such a dog is put on a lead. If the land around a footpath is public access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, then the land may be accessed, but to protect farm animals and ground-nesting birds, this is conditional on walkers’ dogs being kept on a fixed length lead, no more than two metres long, between 1 March to 31 July, and at any time in the vicinity of livestock. Regardless of the time of year the requirement for dogs to be under control remains. Dog walkers must either have their dogs under control at all times or keep them on leads.
Lydia Mayert
2025-05-20 22:34:59
Count answers: 3
You can access some land across England without having to use paths - this land is known as ‘open access land’ or ‘access land’. You must keep your dog on a lead no more than 2 metres long on open access land: between 1 March and 31 July - to protect ground-nesting birds at all times around livestock. On land next to the King Charles III England Coast Path, you must keep your dog under close control. There may be other local or seasonal restrictions. These do not apply to public rights of way or assistance dogs.