Dog off leash in the countryside

[BigDogsWang]

I often walk my neighbours Choco Labrador when they are at work. I walk him down the street on the lead, but when we get to the open fields (I live 3 minutes walk from the nearest Public Countryside footpath), I let him off the lead. He's a friendly Lab and rarely gets in any bother with other dogs who are off the lead (just sniff each others ar*es). Today I approached a bridge and there was a grey haired man in his early 60s looking into the river. As we got around the corner he started shouting at me to put my dog on a lead, it was then I realised he had a Staffordshire Terrier which was straining at the leash to attack my dog. Luckily the Lab ran straight passed him, but the old boy started yelling at me that it was "illegal to walk a dog off lead". I must admit I became quite aggressive with him as to me it appeared he had no idea how to control the vicious mutt he was holding and told him he shouldn't be walking a dog so ferocious if it's uncontrollable. I then told him that it is not illegal to walk a dog off leash in the countryside. We exchanged a few pleasantries (hmmmm) and went our separate ways. Which of us is right?

[tamborine]

Ummmm read from 'However....'. The bullet points are a direct quote from the website.

[ummmm]

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[NOX]

Firewatch that link is nothing to do with dogs being on leads or the law being changed. I can't find anything about suddenly you have to leash your dogs, just control them which ha always been the case.

[BigDogsWang]

News Flash..... New Government guidelines as follows: "You can walk your dog in the countryside off the leash, as long as: it's not dangerous, nowhere near farm animals, not between March and July, not on a Tuesday, not raining, you do not have ginger hair, your name is not Tarquin, there is no full moon that night, you are wearing pantaloons, you do not smoke, swear or spit, and you haven't touched any alcohol since the spring".

[tamborine]

and its not wearing a feather boa

[craft1948]

One of my local farmers shot 2 dogs last year which were not on leads, but according to their owners were under control. Which is why after happily chasing his sheep around a field 2 of his ewes lost their lambs.

[chaptazbru]

I let my dog off the lead all the time on his walks (except near roads of course). He is very obedient and always comes when I call him. I'm not aware of any laws in my area that says he should be on a lead. All my dog walking friends do the same. Dogs love to run and play.

[ganesh]

Not only that,dogs NEED to run and play and get plenty of exercise.I see nothing wrong in having dogs off leads in the countryside,I see them all the time and I used to let mine off as soon as possible on country walks.
I think it's very sad how restrictive people can be in this country,we are supposed to be dog lovers and yet we stop them having a good time.Not allowed to run on the beach and now the countryside..ridiculous!
BDW- Yes he was a t...t,don't fret about it.Sounds like he has got a nasty aggressive dog and has to keep it on a lead,and is just jealous.
PS.Cows used to like my friendly dog,and sheep should be fenced in carefully anyway.We should all lighten up for heaven's sake!

[craft1948]

So you reckon a farmer should fence in his sheep more carefully just so that dogs can have a jolly good run. You're having a laugh aren't you?

[Wharton]

On the approach road up the private road in Coiregrogain towards Ben Vane there is a prominent sign which reads DOGS WILL BE SHOT. The farmer hasn't had any problems with his sheep since putting it up.

[ganesh]

No,not at all.Yes I do think they should be fenced in and they usually are.The ones we used to walk passed were safe.I wouldn't say dogs should be allowed to chase sheep.I am just saying dogs should be allowed their freedom to run along footpaths and fields,just make sure you can control them if necessary.

[ganesh]

If a farmer shot my dog,I would shoot him!!!!!

[chaptazbru]

I agree with most of what you say ganesh, but I do think dogs should be on leads around farm animals, once past the sheep or cows, they could be let off again to have a run around. No sheep or cows near me !

[craft1948]

The difference being ganesh that if your off the lead dog is bothering his sheep he's allowed to shoot him. Your stupid dog is affecting his livelihood.

[ganesh]

Seriously,the farmers near where I live are nice and friendly and are not worried when dogs go in their fields but do ask you to put them on leads if they have sheep in there.Most public footpaths go through farms so they have no right to stop you walking through them.

[Wharton]

For some strange reason he's never seen a dog since putting up the sign.

[ganesh]

Why are you calling my dog stupid? Dogs are smarter than sheep!And if you'd read my post properley you would see that I'm not saying dogs should be allowed to chase sheep.

[craft1948]

Well your post about shooting the farmer must qualify as one of the most asinine answers.

[ganesh]

God..it was a joke,lighten up!

[Wharton]

The dogs heading up Ben Vane are smart - it would appear that they can read.