Taking your dog out in public
When you’re out with your dog in public you must keep it under close control.
This means your dog:
- is calm and not causing alarm to others
- responds to your commands
- stays close to you without drifting, pulling forward, or lunging
It does not need to be on a lead all the time but must respond to you and return when called.
If you're unsure your dog can do this, you need to keep it on a lead.
If you walk your dog near livestock
You must keep your dog on a lead or under close control if you’re near livestock.
It’s a crime to allow a dog to attack or worry livestock such as:
- cattle
- sheep
- goats
- pigs
- horses
- poultry
Worrying livestock includes:
- chasing them in a way that may cause injury, suffering or miscarriage
- causing them to flee or panic
Land owners can shoot a dog as a last resort if it’s attacking or worrying their livestock.
Penalties for allowing a dog to attack or worry livestock
If you’re convicted of allowing a dog to attack or worry livestock, you can get:
- a fine of up to £40,000
- up to 12 months in prison
A court can also:
- take your dog away
- order the dog be put down
- ban you from owning dogs
Pick up dog fouling
If you're in charge of a dog, you must clean up after it in public. It’s against the law if you do not.
If you do not clean up after your dog
You could get a of fine of £80. This goes up to £100 if you do not pay within 28 days.
If you keep failing to clean up after your dog in public, you could be taken to court.