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. It is always good to keep your dog safe on a lead when unsure, but when you are in a more open environment, perhaps on a hike, it can be ok to let your dog loose to allow them to explore to their heart’s content. If you are planning on letting your furry friend off their lead, it is important to understand the dog walking etiquette you should follow. There are also signs in the country that let you know if your dog is allowed or not, some areas may ban dogs all together. You may be unaware that you are on farmers’ lands when on the walk, so try to assess the environment, look out for any signs that you are on farmland before releasing your dog.