Keep Dogs Under Close Control

By law you must control your dog so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals or wildlife.  You must keep your dog on a short lead on most areas of open country and common land between 1 March and 31 July, and at all times near farm animals.

You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it is under close control.  But as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience.  By law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals.

If a farm animal chases you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead – don’t risk getting hurt by trying to protect it.

Take particular care that your dog doesn’t scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife – eggs and young will soon die without protection from their parents.

Everyone knows how unpleasant dog mess is and it can cause infections, so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly.  Also make sure your dog is wormed regularly.

At certain times, dogs may not be allowed on some areas of open land or may need to be kept on a lead.  Please follow any signs.  You can also find out more about these rules from www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk or email openaccess@counryside.gov.uk, or telephone 0845 100 3290

• Countryside Service
• Explore the Countryside
• Off-site Waymarked Circular Walks
• On-site Waymarked Circular Walks
• Waymarked Walking Trails
• Other Published Walks and Rides
• Countryside Sites
• Access Land
• Public Rights of Way
• Countryside Code
• Be-Safe - Plan Ahead
• Leave Gates as You Find Them
• Protect Plants
• Keep Dogs Under Close Control
• Consider Other People
• OS Maps
• Visit Planning Information