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Written question asked by Lord Trees (Crossbench) on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 February 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Friday, 6 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Public Places

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to introduce dog lead requirements for dogs on or adjacent to public highways and urban green spaces.

Answer

There is a balance to be struck between protecting the wider public and their animals from dog attacks, the freedom people enjoy when walking their dogs, and the welfare of those dogs including the freedom to exhibit normal behaviours. We currently have no plans to legislate to compel dogs to be on leads in public places.

It is already an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to allow a dog to be on a designated road unless it is on a lead. In addition, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, enforcement authorities have powers to make Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) insisting dogs are kept on leads in certain areas. Where a dog has been involved in anti-social behaviour, enforcement authorities can also issue community protection notices which could require a dog to be kept on a lead in public.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL13811
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Dogs Public places
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk