Anyone know if there are law(s) on controlling dogs in public?

[nomoremagnolia]

Along the side of our house is a public footpath , popular with dog walkers as it leads down to a field. However some dog owners (and one in particular) don't seem to keep control of their dogs properly, if at all. I wondered if anyone knows if there are laws and if so what they are?

Today a boxer dog went for my cat (who got up a tree in time) because the girl holding the lead let go when the dog went for the cat. The adult with her (grandma?) said to my DH that the girl had to let go or the dog would have pulled here over. Surely someone who can't control a dog shouldn't be holding the lead!! This is not the first time with this dog either - the man who owns it often walks it off the lead. If it's going to become an issue I'd like to know where I stand on the law when complaining to them about their dog.

I know there are lots of sensible/responsible dog owners out there, but everytime the dog goes for my cat I worry about out of control dogs and young children being in the same place at the wrong time. I know dog attacks on children are rare (thank goodness) but young children would be very frightened by a dog going for them. My cat is frightened too but can at least get out of the way up a tree, a child can't.

Any help/advice/ideas on dealing with this gratefully received.

To your knowledge, is this dog doing his business on the footpath, and are the owners cleaning it up if he does?

That's certainly one area where they can be brought to book.

With regard to the law, I don't believe there's a legal requirement to have your dog on a lead unless you're in a area where it specifies it, or if the dog is classed as a dangerous breed, which a boxer isn't.

Your profile says you are in Swindon.

www.swindon.gov.uk/environment/environment-animal-welfare/dogwarden/environment-animal-dog-law.htm these are the dog laws specifically for that area.

If in doubt phone the local dog warden (no. on site) for advice.

Some of these things change from area to area, so best to get specific advice for the area you live in.

I know

It's hard to stop.

Thanks!

Am just so wound up by this issue. Where we used to live neighbours two doors away had a staffordshire bull terrier type of dog (I don't know my dogs but that's what a friend told me it was) whixh they used to let out the front and it went for my cat who swiped it on the nose! Thank goodness the dog was too startled to get the cat - it could have destroyed the cat easily

If only I owned the land...and my cats were considered 'livestock'

Countryside Code

Never allow your dog to worry livestock. Even letting your dog walk in the same field as farm animals may be considered as 'worrying'. Under the Animals Act 1971 a dog may be shot without warning by a farmer for worrying his livestock and the owner could face criminal prosecution for the same offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.

ps I do like nice dogs!

which

I know you do, magnolia. Nothing about your OP suggests that you're a ranting anti-houndster

I hope you have some luck with Armadillo's suggestion re: local by-laws, etc.

I think I will give the council a ring on Monday for some advice.
I have not seen the dog foul the path, but I might start watching more closely

Goodo! Keep us updated, 'cos there are probably a fair few MNers who'd be interested in the outcome.

Road Traffic Act of 1988 states:

Control of dogs on roads (1) A person who causes or permits a dog to be on a designated road without the dog being held on a lead is guilty of an offence.
(2) In this section ?designated road? means a length of road specified by an order in that behalf of the local authority in whose area the length of road is situated.
(3) The powers which under subsection (2) above are exercisable by a local authority in England and Wales are, in the case of a road part of the width of which is in the area of one local authority and part in the area of another, exercisable by either authority with the consent of the other.
(4) An order under this section may provide that subsection (1) above shall apply subject to such limitations or exceptions as may be specified in the order, and (without prejudice to the generality of this subsection) subsection (1) above does not apply to dogs proved?
(a) to be kept for driving or tending sheep or cattle in the course of a trade or business, or
(b) to have been at the material time in use under proper control for sporting purposes.

Basically - keep ya dog on a lead on a designated road/path unless it is for sheep farming or sports.