Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Make it mandatory for all dogs to be on leads on public rights of way.

Closed 4,091 signatures

What the petition asks

It has become apparently during covid-19 that there have been a surge in dog attacks on live stock and people’s pets (horses) on public rights of way which go across farmers land. I want the government to make it mandatory for all dogs to be on leads on public footpaths, bridleways and byways.
I would like to see all dogs be kept on leads on public rights of way which are specifically public footpaths, bridleways and byways. Particularly those that go across farmers land which contain live stock and or people’s pets (horses). Farmers or land owners should have a right to remove any out of control animals from their fields. Extendable leads are in abundance, there is no need for a dog to be off a lead in this day and age, particularly when live stock and pets are at risk.

Timeline

28 Jul 2020 Petition opened for signatures
28 Jan 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 4,091
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 28 Jul 2020
Closed 28 Jan 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.