Are dogs allowed off lead in public spaces?

Dogs in Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) If you're responsible for a dog, you need to: keep your dogs under close control keep dogs on leads in designated areas. In Leeds this includes all roads, pavements and footpaths (included gated alleyways) next to carriageways. Also where signage is in place, in cemeteries, crematoria, specialist gardens, and some council owned golf courses. Dogs can be let off the lead in parks except in areas where there is specific signage in place. Put dogs on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer such as a dog warden and police officer.

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 going to let your dog off its lead, be confident that your dog will return on command. 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.

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. When using the new access rights over open country and common land, you must keep your dog on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July - and all year round near farm animals. You may not be able to take your dog at all in some areas or at some times. Please follow any official signs. Access rights apply to people walking dogs as long as their dogs are kept under proper control. Keep dogs under control, Keep your dog on a lead when walking on roads or when close to farm animals.

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.

Our estate does not have a public space protection order and just about every other person who owns a dog on the estate walks them off lead, yet were the only ones who’s been complained about. Is it legal to walk a dog off lead. She has great recall and never wanders far. We don’t have a garden on our property so the only time she can go toilet is outside on walks.