DOGS ON LEADS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DOGS ON LEADS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Dear Residents,

🐾 DOGS ON LEADS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION 🐾

Due to an increase in dogs being walked off leads and a rise in complaints, please read and follow the guidance below. These rules help keep people, animals, and dogs safe.

🚦 WHEN DOGS MUST BE ON A LEAD

Near Roads & Shared Paths

Dogs must be kept on a short lead on pavements, roads, and shared-use paths.

It is an offence to have a dog off lead on designated roads.

👮 WHEN ASKED BY AN OFFICER

Police or council officers can require a dog to be put on a lead if it is:

Causing a nuisance

Acting unpredictably

A risk to people or livestock

Refusal may result in fines.

🏞️ PUBLIC SPACES PROTECTION ORDERS (PSPOs)

Local PSPOs may require dogs to be on a lead in:

Parks

Beaches

Cemeteries

Sports pitches

Promenades

📍 SHROPSHIRE PSPO – FROM 1 JUNE 2024

Key Rules

£100 fine (£50 if paid within 10 days) for not picking up dog fouling

Dogs excluded from fenced play areas & sports pitches

Dogs must be on a lead on the highway

Officers may require a dog to be put on a lead if not under control or acting aggressively

Exemptions

Registered blind individuals

People with disabilities who rely on an assistance dog

Working dogs (search & rescue, herding, law enforcement, armed forces) while working

🐑 OPEN ACCESS LAND & LIVESTOCK

Lead no longer than 2 metres on open access land from 1 March–31 July

Dogs must be on a lead at all times around livestock

⚠️ DANGEROUSLY OUT OF CONTROL

It is illegal for a dog to:

Injure someone

Make someone fear injury

Penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or bans on owning dogs.

✔️ RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP

Even where leads are not required, dogs must always be under control. Lead training helps prevent accidents and protects the community.

❗ PENALTIES FOR NON‑COMPLIANCE

Fixed penalty notices

Court action

Possible imprisonment in severe cases

Bans on owning pets or seizure of the dog

KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE. KEEP OTHERS SAFE. USE A LEAD WHEN REQUIRED

Kind Regards,

Oswestry Rural North Team.

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Message Sent By
Sarah Williams
(Police Community Support Officer, Police Community Support Officer, Oswestry Rural North)