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Covid

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Original poster

Yes, you should keep your dog on a lead.

9 replies

Santaclauswhosthat · 22/04/2020 20:10

According to the government:

www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-guidance-on-access-to-green-spaces

OP posts:

Original poster

Santaclauswhosthat · 22/04/2020 20:20

From the link - "if walking your dog in areas used by other people, you should walk your dog on a lead to ensure you can safely keep two metres away"

OP posts:

Floatyboat · 22/04/2020 21:20

That's interesting. Thank you didn't realise it was so clear cut. I imagine lots of people will ignore that though sadly.

Original poster

Santaclauswhosthat · 22/04/2020 21:43

Tbf as we know there's been a lot of miscommunication generally, but yes it does say it clearly there in the guidance.

OP posts:

LochJessMonster · 22/04/2020 21:46

That can be interpreted as ‘keep your dog on a lead if you can’t keep it 2m away from people’ some will argue they have adequate voice recall to keep their dog 2m away.

They really need to stop fannying about and make it an actual rule or not.

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 22/04/2020 22:10

They really need to stop fannying about and make it an actual rule or not.
It's going to depend where you are, though, and the time of day. I live fairly rurally, so I can get to un-busy places, and keep my dogs out of other people's range because I can see them coming and call the dogs in.

Original poster

Santaclauswhosthat · 22/04/2020 23:20

QED

OP posts:

seltaeb · 22/04/2020 23:24

Cats in NY have been found to have the virus. Probably only a matter of time before it is found in dogs, so dog owners would be wise to keep on lead.

MajesticWhine · 22/04/2020 23:42

My local parks have made this an actual rule by putting up signs. Nearly everyone is complying with it. The dogs are a bit confused though.

TorysSuckRevokeArticle50 · 22/04/2020 23:54

@LochJessMonster how are you interpreting the government guidance:

"if walking your dog in areas used by other people, you should walk your dog on a lead to ensure you can safely keep 2 metres away from others."

As:

"That can be interpreted as ‘keep your dog on a lead if you can’t keep it 2m away from people’ some will argue they have adequate voice recall to keep their dog 2m away. "

Unless you are walking your dog on private property which only you have access to, then you will be in an "area used by other people" so dogs should be on a leads. Simple, straightforward and clear. You have to try pretty hard to interpret that to mean that voice recall is acceptable.

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