Are dogs legally meant to be on a lead?

[Jellybean25]

I just want to know coz there is someonedown my road who walks their big rotwiller without a lead. I have concerns about it attacking my 6 year old especially after it chased my small cat, it nearly caught him and only failed coz he slipped throught a small hole in my back gate, which the dog then crashed into. So is it a legal requirement?

[jules77]

Dogs should always be kept under control in public places, but in some areas there are byelaws which state that dogs must be kept on a lead. If you wish to report an offence, you should contact your local dog warden, where a fine of £500 can be imposed.

[paddywak]

As Eddie says dog are supposed to be under control which does not always mean on the lead, however In some areas there are actually by-laws that dogs must be on a lead. The area I live is covered by these but as usual with a lot of these things the ordinary, responsible dog owners obey the rules, the others just ignore them and seem to get away with it

[B00]

While I appreciate you might be concerned, I really think you should bear in mind that just because a dog chased a cat, which 99% of them will do, it doesn't necessarily mean it will attack your daughter.

That being said, whilst out on a public street/road etc all dogs should be on a lead, for their own safety as well as other people/cats etc.

[brionon]

While I appreciate you might be concerned, I really think you should bear in mind that just because a dog chased a cat, which 99% of them will do, it doesn't necessarily mean it will attack your daughter.

Is there a chance that it might ? YES. Keep it on a lead and preferably Muzzled !

[brenda]

Ring your council dog warden . or speak to your local community support officer about your concerns.

[ganesh]

Brionon-why muzzled?As Boo says,most dogs will chase a cat.Even my dog,the friendliest dog in the world will chase cats and squirrels if she sees them,even our own cats occasionally just for fun,and if their not in the mood they wack her nose!
Just because this dog is a big rotweiler (incidentally known for not getting on with cats) there's no reason to suggest it will attack a child. If he hasn't got him on a lead he must think he's not a problem.
It might be an idea just to talk to him one day,jellybean,if you say he lives in your road then there must be an occasion when you can 'bump into him' and maybe say hello to the dog.Maybe then you can see if the dog (and the guy) is friendly,
To have it muzzled is a bit of an over-reaction just because it chased your cat.If it happens again maybe you could suggest he has the dog on a lead near your house.