Does a dog have to be on a lead in a public park?

Dogs love a walk, as soon as they get a sense they’re heading outside, they couldn’t be more excited. What makes them really happy is being allowed to roam free off their lead in the outdoors, whilst this is a great thing to allow your dog to do, having dogs off the lead is not appropriate for every location. Whilst there is no blanket law requiring dogs to be kept on leads in all public spaces, there are a number of places that do require leads. These places are children’s play areas, public parks, roads, beaches, designated pedestrian zones and land where livestock is present. As a dog owner, it is important to know your local authority’s Public Spaces Protection Orders, these are specific rules to your local authority, which detail the restrictions you must follow on where your dog must be on a lead. Authorities have the power to issue fines or fixed penalty notices for those who don’t comply. Letting your dog have some quality time off their lead is important for their happiness and health, but as an owner it is your responsibility to keep your dog and others safe when outdoors. Be sure to be aware of your surroundings, keep your animal under control, and if required, keep your animal on its lead. There are plenty of open areas where they can off the lead and safe, just be sure to use common sense when needed to keep everyone safe and happy.

It’s against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, such as: in a public place. You can report a dog that’s out of control. Your dog is considered dangerously out of control if it: injures someone makes someone worried that it might injure them. A court could also decide that your dog is dangerously out of control if either of the following apply: it attacks someone’s animal the owner of an animal thinks they could be injured if they tried to stop your dog attacking their animal. You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to 6 months (or both) if your dog is dangerously out of control.

Being in control of your dog does not mean it has to be on a lead. The law does not require dogs to be kept on leads. A dog can be out of control whilst it is on the lead, and a dog off lead can be fully in your control (if well trained and supervised). Only walk your dog off lead if it has a reliable recall and can exhibit full control. If you cannot call your dog back instantly you DO NOT have full control. Be aware of public areas that do not allow access to dogs or those that impose restrictions such as having your dog on a lead at all times.