Walking your dog on Public Rights of Ways?
As dog owners know, there is something special about exploring rights of way with our four-legged friends. Be it walking your favourite daily route or discovering new areas and hidden gems. However, it is best to check your route before you leave to make sure it is suitable for dogs. For example, a stile that is lamb-proof may be difficult for your dog to use!
When walking on Public Rights of Way, it is really important to remember that by law, your dog must be under your close control and on the line of the path. If a dog is allowed to run around off the path, trespass is committed against the landholder. Dogs must wear a collar with an identification tag bearing the owner’s name and address whilst in a public place.
Other key points to remember when walking on Public Rights of Way are as follows:
- Keep your dog under effective control to make sure it stays away from wildlife, livestock, horses and other people unless invited.
- Always keep your dog on a lead or in sight
be confident your dog will return on command
make sure your dog does not stray from the path or area where you have right of access - Always check local signs as there are situations when you must keep your dog on a lead for all or part of the year.
- It is good practice wherever you are to keep your dog on a lead around livestock. A farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock. They may not be liable to compensate the dog’s owner.
However, let your dog off the lead if you feel threatened by livestock or horses. Do not risk getting hurt protecting your dog. Releasing your dog will make it easier for you both to reach safety.
Finally - always clean up your dog’s poo because it can cause illness in people, livestock and wildlife.
Never leave bags of dog poo around, even if you intend to pick them up later. Deodorised bags and containers can make bags of dog poo easier to carry. If you cannot find a public waste bin, you should take it home and use your own bin.
Remember - bag it and bin it - any public waste bin will do!
