13/01/2025
🐕There is much debate on social media about whether dogs should be on the lead, or allowed to run free as they please. There are many more pet dogs in the UK these days and this means many more dogs are encountered when out and about.
🐕There are no laws which say dogs must be on lead everywhere in public places (yet!), but there are designated areas where this is the case. This might include, parks, beaches, carparks, or sports pitches. Each local authority may have individual orders restricting off-lead dogs from certain areas.
🐕It is the law, however, that dogs must not be allowed to be “dangerously out of control in a public space”. And that means any public space. If your dog chases another person, or animal, causes injury to another person or animal or, causes someone to feel threatened ( the latter point is very important ) you could be prosecuted under the Dangerous Dogs Act (which covers ANY breed).
🐕The law also states that dogs must be on the lead near any p***c highway, including country lanes. The only exceptions to this are for workings dogs such as sheepdogs.
Very often, conflict is caused when off lead dogs are allowed to run up to other dogs, children and people who do not invite this and neither wish to be bothered.
🐕Many dog owners who keep their dogs on a lead, for whatever reason, often have to deal with off-lead dogs causing a nuisance. Dogs on the lead might be reactive, nervous, recovering from injury, or elderly.
🐕Some people with dogs on lead put a lot of time into training their dogs – having an off lead dog running up, could set their efforts back by days, or even weeks, if their dog is frightened. Many people – whether dog owners or not, just want to enjoy a quiet walk without being mobbed by off-lead dogs.
🐕On the other side of the argument, others think it is their dog’s right to run off-lead and play with other dogs unrestricted, pointing out this is for the benefit of the dog’s welfare. If their dog goes up to a reactive dog who growls, or bites, it is often suggested the owners shouldn’t be taking their “vicious” dog out!
🐕Of course, dogs should be allowed to run free where appropriate, but this is not a reason to ignore essential training and positive socialisation. Don’t forget - a dog running up to a dog on the lead, who may snap, could be a negative experience for that off-lead dog – and this could have consequences for their future behaviour. Far better to ensure your dog is set up for success.
🐕Also, dogs who need to be kept on a lead, must have welfare needs met too and have just as much right to be in a public space -(unless of course, they are extremely aggressive and the owner cannot handle/restrain them adequately, even on a lead).
If an off-lead dog causes injury to a dog on the lead, it is the former who could very well be prosecuted for having a dog “dangerously out of control” in public. Something owners with off-lead dogs should be mindful of.
🐕Plus, surely, this all comes down to common courtesy? Isn’t it rather rude to let your dog run amok and do as it pleases and cause a nuisance to others? Is it good enough to use the excuse your dog is just being friendly? Think of the dog on the lead who might be scared – does this dog not deserve some empathy? Or, perhaps another person/child is scared of dogs, or nervous their own dog may be hurt. Their feelings should not be invalidated.
🐕At Holidays4Dogs we have a very strict policy when it comes to exercising guest dogs. We believe the welfare of ALL dogs is valid, both those we are looking after and those we meet out and about. We also believe it is the right thing to do to be courteous to other people, whether they have a dog with them, or not. Your dog MUST have a reliable and solid recall and carers will never let dogs off the lead if they are going to cause a nuisance to other people in public spaces, or if they think a dog’s safety will be compromised.
