WHY IT’S VITAL TO KEEP YOUR DOG ON A QUALITY DOG LEAD OR EVEN A TRAFFIC CONTROL HARNESS IN PUBLIC SPACES

Whether you’re in town or in the countryside, when you’re out and about with your dog a robust, quality Dog Lead and Dog Collar - or even a Dog Traffic Control Handle and Harness - is vital to ensure the safety and control of your dog. As the number of dog attacks increases, debate about loose dogs in public spaces has also highlighted the importance of dog owners keeping the safety and wellbeing of other dogs, children and adults who share that space in mind too.  Would making it compulsory for all dogs to be on a lead all of the time when in public spaces help fix what is a growing problem?

Cynophobia is the name for the fear of dogs – a phobia learned either through family or cultural conditioning or real life negative and frightening experience. No child is innately scared of dogs from birth, and many children will gravitate towards dogs from an early age. However, for some children, being scared of dogs is an unfortunate fact of life – and whilst it is unfortunate, it’s a perfectly legitimate feeling for a child to have.

Dogs running free in public spaces and who has - or should be given - priority in those spaces has become a contentious issue. We’re not talking about responsibly letting your dog loose to run free on a deserted beach here, and coming back to you when they’re called, but in terms of dogs sharing spaces like parks and playing fields with other users.

Some people advocate for child-only public spaces – “campaigning for kids to be given a rare sense of priority and to establish areas that provide freedom from dogs”. Others argue vociferously and passionately for the right of dogs and their owners to enjoy what green public spaces they can.

Unfortunately, the number of dog attack incidents is increasing, with all-too-tragic consequences for everyone concerned and the animals involved. Many people feel – dog owners and non-dog owners alike – that making it compulsory for all dogs to be on a lead all of the time in public spaces would cut down the number of such attacks and make those spaces safer and more inclusive for all, having a positive impact on the safety and wellbeing of dogs, owners and the wider public. Indeed, there have been a number of petitions submitted to Parliament asking for this to be made law.

A recent article in the Guardian, titled ‘Who has priority in public spaces – dogs or children? Where I live, we’re about to find out’ and published in December 2024 (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/dec/01/dogs-children-public-spaces-london) highlighted the issue of the fear of dogs (cynophobia) amongst children playing in public parks, and raised the question of who should be given priority in public spaces – children or dogs and their owners.

One local council – Tower Hamlets in London – has taken consultation on imposing stricter and more stringent controls on dog owners and their dogs, a move that prompted an outcry and backlash from those local dog owners, which escalated into a national media furore.

The article stated that the consultation – which was under consideration at time of publication – “asked whether a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) [needed] to be implemented to stop dog-related antisocial behaviour.” This stemmed from “a recent spate of high-profile incidents involving out of control nuisance dogs and their owners”.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) replaced the previous Dog Control Orders (DCOs), and apply to public areas in England and Wales.

Council data showed that dog attacks are on the rise, with Police reporting a 21% rise in dog attacks across England and Wales in 2023. Attacks in Devon and Cornwall increased by 51%. North Somerset also saw an alarming rise. South Yorkshire too. This worrying trend is one that councils and police forces want to reverse.

The article goes on to say that “Under the PSPO, owners would need to keep their dogs on leads in all public spaces, there would be stricter penalties for fouling and dogs would be banned from gated play parks and sports areas – in other words, places intended for children.”

Fair enough, you might think. However, following a protest by local dog owners and interest groups, and a petition with 2,500 signatures on it, Tower Hamlets council agreed to table a motion to reject or significantly reduce the scope and powers of the PSPO.

The author of the Guardian article, Oliver Keens, argued that children and their right to play safely in parks and public playgrounds have been ignored – with dog owners asserting their rights at the cost of children’s safety and wellbeing.

The article even led to a follow-up opinion piece, with different viewpoints on the matter from members of the general public. That opinion piece, titled ‘Dog owners require a reality check – and a lead’ (https://amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/dec/06/dog-owners-require-a-reality-check-and-a-lead) whilst presenting a balanced range of opinions and suggestions, was overwhelmingly in favour of Oliver Keens’ standpoint and argument.

One particularly dog-phobic contributor took the definition of public spaces indoors and suggested banning dogs from pubs and restaurants! NB. there’s currently no law nor any health and safety regulations that ban dogs from being in premises where food and drink is served or sold, but they can’t enter areas where food is prepared, handled or stored - the kitchen on the premises, for example - it’s up to the owner of the individual establishment that serves food and drink whether they’d like to welcome dogs and consider themselves dog-friendly (this will be the topic of a future Maisey Daisey Blog Post).

Another contributor said that dog owners needed to be more responsible and keep their dogs on a short lead at all times. A third suggested a more workable compromise – “a fenced-off playground for young children, a grassed area where people could walk through with dogs, and another fenced area for children to play without dogs, and a hard court for ball games.” That would seem eminently sensible.

There was another awful incident in Devon in late December 2024. Three dogs were seized after an attack at a playing field led to two dogs being euthanised, police said.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers responded to reports of dogs attacking "other dogs and humans". No details were given as to the cause of the attacks, but the dogs responsible were clearly loose and out of control.

What has any of this to do with Maisey Daisey? Well, we love dogs, and we have a vested interest in dog welfare and issues around responsible dog ownership. We’re rescue dog owners ourselves, and we advocate and promote responsible dog ownership and welcome responsible dog owners. We sell products that help with responsible dog ownership and dog welfare, like Dog Leads, Dog Collars, and even Dog Traffic Control Harnesses (https://maiseydaisey.com/collections/premium-waterproof-traffic-dog-handle-ideal-for-uk-weather) – all of which help you keep control of your dog and ensure that she or he stays safe. Not only that but helping to ensure the safety of other animals and people too.

So, when we saw the article, we just had to include it in a wider discussion around responsible dog ownership and dog control in different environs and situations – and highlight our products that help with dog control and safety.

Whatever your opinion on the issue of dogs running free in public spaces – and child safety in those shared spaces – each and every dog owner has a duty of care and legal responsibilities, in fact.

Did you know that there are more than 20 pieces of legislation that apply to dog ownership in Britain? And, the legislation was updated in 2022.

In the UK, dog owners have legal, moral and other responsibilities, including not allowing their dog to cause harm or distress to Livestock, not allowing their dog to cause harm or distress to people and other animals, and not allowing their dog to roam free. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times in certain areas, including Nature Reserves, Beaches, Promenades, Pathways and Bridleways shared with cyclists and horse riders, crossing and near Roads, Children's Play Areas, Sports Pitches and Parks.

Dog owners can face severe penalties, including prosecution, if their dog is dangerously out of control, injures someone, or even kills someone (or another animal).  

It’s “against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, such as in a public place, in a private place, for example a neighbour’s house or garden, [even] in the owner’s home” and the UK law “applies to all dogs” (https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public). Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 made it a criminal offence to allow any dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place or private premises or residence.

A court may “also decide that your dog is dangerously out of control if…it attacks someone’s animal” or “the owner of an animal thinks they could be injured if they tried to stop your dog attacking their animal”.

That would lead to the following penalties:

“You can get an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to 6 months (or both) if your dog is dangerously out of control. You may not be allowed to own a dog in the future and your dog may be destroyed.

“If you let your dog injure someone you can be sent to prison for up to 5 years or fined (or both). If you deliberately use your dog to injure someone you could be charged with ‘malicious wounding’.

“If you allow your dog to kill someone you can be sent to prison for up to 14 years or get an unlimited fine (or both).

“If you allow your dog to injure an assistance dog (for example a guide dog) you can be sent to prison for up to 3 years or fined (or both).”

As the Barc London website says (https://www.barclondon.com/blogs/guides/new-dog-laws-uk-2022), as well as legislation that’s applicable to all dog owners, specific PSPOs exist in your local area, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with them too. Each local council is required to provide public access to these PSPO rules, via their website.

Each individual local council’s specific PSPO can differ from place to place, but essentially the orders require dog owners to keep their dog under control, behave responsibly, and ensure public, livestock and wildlife safety. In practice, this means “[limiting] the number of dogs being walked at one time (regardless of personal or professional dog walking status); [keeping] dogs on leads, and [following] instructions to put dogs on leads if told to [do so] by police officers, support officers or council members; [and preventing] dogs from entering specific places like parks, children’s play areas and farmlands.”

Under the regulations, if a dog owner has been found to be breaking or in breach of the orders they can be fined. A Fixed Penalty Notice could be issued, with a £100 on-the-spot fine. A higher fine of up to £1,000 could be issued if the charge goes to court.

Suffolk police have warned “irresponsible” dog owners to keep their pets under close control after a spate of livestock attacks across the county.

Rural areas are covered by The Countryside Code, which also has specific advice and responsibilities for dog owners walking their dog in the countryside or on or near farmland. It’s essential to keep your dog under close control at all times, ensuring that the dog “stays away from wildlife, livestock, horses and other people”. This means keeping your dog on a lead, or within your sight at all times, and not letting your dog run off, making sure she or he comes back when called (unlike Fenton the Labrador in Richmond Park in the infamous and much-viewed YouTube clip -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GRSbr0EYYU).

The Countryside Code also highlights the importance of keeping a dog on a lead when walking close to livestock (particularly sheep and cattle, but also deer too). It’s a legal requirement to keep your dog on a lead when walking on Open Access land (even if there’s not actually any livestock on the land at the time of your walk).

Crucially, under Section 9 of the Animals Act 1971 and Protection of Livestock Act 1953, ‘a farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock’ and are legally entitled to do so without redress or compensation. 

Knowing the rules and sticking to them keeps you, your four-legged friend – and any nearby farm animals or wildlife – out of harm’s way and on the right side of the law (and farmers, game keepers and land owners as well).

This includes keeping your dog on a short lead. Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities#:~:text=There's%20a%20general%20rule%20that,effective%20control%20at%20all%20times) dogs must be kept on a lead no more than two metres long at all times around livestock.

The Country Living website also highlights the importance of not giving your dog too much or “excessive” lead length (https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/pets/a45115435/dog-laws/) and states that “Keeping your dog on a tight lead is now a legal requirement in certain areas. The rules vary county by county, but many have issued Public Spaces Protection Orders [PSPOs] insisting that dogs be walked on leads in nature reserves, beaches and promenades (check your local council's website for the rules where you are – see https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council). Regardless of place-specific rules, The Highway Code states that dogs should be kept on short leads along pathways shared with cyclists and horse riders, as well as along roads.”

As well as stipulations covering individual dogs and dog owners, “several areas have introduced limits to the number of dogs that can be walked at one time”, irrespective of whether you are walking your own dogs or providing a dog walking service for other owners. “In many London boroughs, [this is] capped at four, while in North Somerset, a new local law prohibits people from walking more than six at a time.” Therefore, “under the new ruling, anyone walking seven or more dogs in a public space could be issued a warning, or face a fine. This comes after attacks in the area reportedly rose from 385 in 2020 to 480 in 2023.”

So, whether you and your dog are in a rural or urban setting, on the beach, in a park or playground, or just walking on the pavement or crossing the road, it is only right and proper that your dog is under control and in plain sight. This can be achieved through the use of a good, strong dog lead, with a well-fitting dog collar to attach it to, and even a supplementary Dog Traffic Control Harness and Handle as well for added all-weather control.

It’s the responsible thing to do.

Here at Maisey Daisey, we have a range of Harris Tweed Dog Leads and Harris Tweed Dog Collars, Abraham Moon Dog Leads and Dog Collars, Waterproof Dog Leads and Dog Collars, and Waterproof Traffic Dog Handles.

A Dog Traffic Control Harness and Dog Traffic Handle (https://maiseydaisey.com/collections/premium-waterproof-traffic-dog-handle-ideal-for-uk-weather) in addition to your usual Dog Lead and Dog Collar setup is ideal for times when extra control is needed. Whether that’s when you and your dog are out and about in busy locations and situations, such as in crowded areas, on busy streets, or even in dog behaviour training sessions; or quieter locales in the countryside or on the beach with different potential scenarios where you would need to keep your dog under control; you need a robust, effective dog close control solution.

Specifically designed for taller and stronger dogs that need a shorter lead, a Dog Handle and Harness keeps your dog beside you in busy situations, enabling better and closer control. Busy streets and crowded areas require a shorter lead that allows you to maintain control and keep your dog close to you at all times, particularly near traffic.

If you frequently walk your dog near water or in wet conditions, you should definitely consider a lead and collar made from a waterproof material like biothane. Biothane is a fully water and mould resistant, anti-bacterial PVC/TPC-coated material that doesn’t stretch, is gentle on your dog’s fur and is quick and easy for you to wipe clean. That means that these PVC /TPU coated biothane waterproof dog collars and leads are practical as well as stylish.

With a robust and ergonomic design, the non-slip grip of our waterproof Dog Handle (https://maiseydaisey.com/collections/premium-waterproof-traffic-dog-handle-ideal-for-uk-weather) means that you keep a secure hold of your dog, even in wet conditions.

Our signature collection range of Waterproof Dog Leads and Waterproof Dog Collars are also made from biothane (https://maiseydaisey.com/collections/waterproof-dog-leads and https://maiseydaisey.com/collections/waterproof-dog-collars) and together are the perfect solution for dogs that love water and mud. All our Waterproof Biothane Dog Leads and Collars are Handmade in Yorkshire (https://maiseydaisey.com/products/waterproof-dog-leads-uk-made).

Dog safety is of paramount importance to us, so – in case your dog does get away from you - we’ve put the nameplate/identity tag directly onto the collar itself by design so that your dog can be returned to you quickly. We also include free personalised engraving too.

Remember that we donate 10% profit from every sale to dog rescue, which means that buying your Dog Lead, Dog Collar or Dog Traffic Control Handle and Harness from us not only keeps you and your dog safe but helps other dogs too.