Is there a law that requires a dog to be on a lead on a public right of way, or does it just have to be under 'close control'?

[pharaoh3103]

The local farmer is getting stroppy!......please quote the legislation if you know it

[ubasses]

http://www.naturenet.net/law/dogs.html

This site may help, it appears close control is enough, but your dog has only got to do the smallest thing wrong and you will be held liable.

[RATTER15]

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/1052

If it is bothering the landowner then put the dog on a lead.

Basically if its on the public Highway it must be on a lead, if it is other public places it must be under control. Local by-laws may also be in force in your area.

[RATTER15]

What is the farmer objecting to?

remember if your dog bothers livestock the farmer has every right to shoot your dog.

[Postdog]

Local farmer is getting stroppy. If it is HIS land he has a right to be. He could get stroppier with a shotgun.

[woofgang]

why don't you want to put the dog on a lead?

[pharaoh3103]

Thanks for your responses. It's not that I don't want to put the dog on a lead, the farmer believes that the dog has to be on a lead even when it's on a public right of way, in a field, with no livestock in the vicinity. I don't think he can legally enforce this.
That said, I completely understand that a dog mustn't worry livestock, and I need to clean up after it. I like to think I'm a responsible owner and of course I take the appropriate measures..I just think this farmer is making the law up as he goes along.
Thank again for your input

[rsvp]

think this question is a brilliant example of the best of AB - a reasonable question and reasonable answers.

[Mosaic]

I smiled wryly reading these posts. Not long ago, whilst walking with friends and their little dog in Benfleet, a husky slipped its leash and savaged the little pooch. police were summoned during the vicious and prolonged attack - they would not come. It was reported to the local council -who would take no action ( we had details of the attack dog's owner).
SO it made me smile wryly to think any budder cared.