Dog off leash in the countryside

BigDogsWang | 15:03 Fri 07th Sep 2012 | Animals & Nature

59 Answers

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?

lathargic mutt

What kind of a generation are we raising?

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2sp_

As far as I'm aware, a dog is only considered to be under control if it is on a lead. It's not illegal to walk a dog off the lead, but in the eyes of the law it isn't in your control.

Technically, his dog was under control by virtue of being on a lead.

(I'm no legal brain, so I may be wrong. I'm sure someone else who knows more/better than me will be able to give you a much more accurate answer.)

-- answer removed --

ummmm

I think different areas have different rules.

tamborine

It should be on a leash:

http://www.direct.gov...countryside/DG_187728

Keeping your dog on a lead
You don’t have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it’s under close control. However, you should keep your dog on a short lead:
• if you can’t rely on it obeying you
• on most areas of open country and common land or open access land between 1 March and 31 July
• always near farm animals
• if there are signs asking you to do so
If a farm animal chases you and your dog, it’s safer to let your dog off the lead. Don’t risk getting hurt by trying to protect it.

BigDogsWang

Question Author

That's what I thought Toes. He's very obedient, and as I said, he just ran past the Staff. This guy had his dog on a lead. But even if I'd had my dog on the lead, the Staff would still have gone for him. That, in my opinion, is an aggressive and uncontrollable animal, and should be muzzled at the very least. What if I'd been walking with a small child who may have tried to stroke it?

ummmm

Why do you say it should be on a leash, Tambo?

- You DON'T have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it’s under close control.

- on MOST areas of open country and common land or open access land between 1 March and 31 July

- IF there are any signs asking you to do so

2sp_

To be honest, no one should let their child stroke an unknown dog. The responsibility for safety should be on both the parent and the dog owner.

tamborine

OP asked about countryside. I've given the link to check

-- answer removed --

BigDogsWang

Question Author

Just saw your answer tamborine after posting mine. Typical Government grey areas there huh? None of those apply to my situation, but the way this guy was going on was as if it is illegal, 'full stop'.

So it looks like I'm right, and I'm justified in calling him a tw*t :)

BigDogsWang

Question Author

and 2sp_, I didn't realise the guy had a dog until the last second, as he was obscured by overgrowth. You know what children are like, they run ahead of you, no one would have had time to realise.

paddywak

While Max was perfectly well behaved off the lead I always kept him on the lead in certain circumstances such as, when walking on the road, when approaching people with dogs I didn't know, or if there were horses, sheep or cattle nearby. I knew how Max would act but not other people and dogs.

firewatch

Hate be a party pooper but the law has only just changed on this a dog must be kept on a lead when on a public footpath and wear a collar and identity tag. This is only very new - in the last month. My husbands a copper so knows his stuff im just trying to find the legislation.

2sp_

I know, it's not easy. You just have to hope that other dog owners are being responsible, and will let you know if their dog can't be approached.