The Law of the Lead

As dog owners, we all want to give our dogs the freedom to sniff, explore and enjoy the great outdoors. But with that freedom comes responsibility—especially near roads. While we might trust our dogs, the law in the UK is very clear: dogs must be kept on a lead on or near roads, and the consequences of not doing so can be severe.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 (Section 27), dogs must be kept on a lead on a designated road. If a dog strays onto the road and causes a traffic accident—whether it’s by running in front of a car or causing a driver to swerve—the owner can be held legally and financially responsible. This isn’t just about minor damage either; drivers or passengers injured in such accidents could take legal action to recover medical costs, repair bills, and more. If you don’t have third-party liability insurance as part of your pet cover, you could end up footing a very large bill.

It’s not just civil law at play either. If your dog is deemed "dangerously out of control" under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991—for example, if someone is injured or fears injury during a road incident—you could face criminal charges. Even if your dog was simply scared and ran, the law can still hold you accountable.

Owning a dog is a joy, a privilege, and—importantly—a responsibility. In the UK, the love we have for our four-legged companions runs deep, but so too should our understanding of the laws that protect them (and others).

One such law often overlooked or misunderstood is this: dogs must be kept on a lead on a public road.

Not a quiet lane.

Not just near traffic.

Any public road.

This isn't just red tape or a rule made to be bent—it's part of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (Section 27), which makes it a legal requirement to have your dog on a lead on any designated road. Why? For the simple reason that it keeps dogs, people, and drivers safe. I see it time and time again, on a daily basis in the town I live in, dogs trotting down the road with no lead on, and in some cases no collar either! It drives me crazy. I want nothing more than to get out of my vehicle and slap them with a stupid sticker. It is frankly irresponsible. It takes just one squirrel, or cat, to catch their eye, or a sudden clap of thunder/lorry or firework to spook it and they could be off!

But my dog has excellent recall...

That may be true. But even the most well-trained dog can be startled by an unexpected noise, lunge after a cat, or make a sudden dash into traffic. The law doesn’t make exceptions for “good dogs”—because accidents don’t either. Even the most well trained and obedient dog has the act of free will. They are animals that sometimes react first and think second. Just because they haven't had an accident yet, doesn't mean they wont in the future and frankly, if they are a beloved pet then why wouldn't you do everything in your power to ensure their safety came first? There are plenty of places that are safe to let your dog off. You don't look cool or clever with that smug look on your face, you look like an idiot breaking the law thinking you know better.

A moment of distraction can change everything.

As someone who has worked professionally with dogs for years 20 years, I’ve seen the aftermath of dogs hit by cars, lost after slipping collars, or causing near-miss car accidents. We have worked with dogs that have been paralysed due to being hit by cars, and often, owners are left traumatised, thinking “they’ve never done that before". The sad fact of the matter is it can, and does happen. And there is a law to protect you and your dog for a reason.

The truth is, even the most obedient dog is still a dog—reactive, instinctual, and vulnerable.

What counts as a public road?

A “designated road” refers to any road maintained by the local authority, including residential streets and country lanes. In short, if it has tarmac and cars use it—it’s probably a public road. Private roads, footpaths, and bridleways may have different rules, but it’s always best to check.

It’s not just about the road.

Keeping your dog on a lead also helps avoid unpleasant encounters with other dogs, people who are afraid of dogs, or even livestock if you're near farmland. It shows respect for your community—and for your dog. Flexi Leads are also a bug bear of mine. The dogs are technically on a lead, yes, but the lead is let out so long that if the dog did dart across the road, you would have absolutly no hope of saving it. There is no need for a dog to be at the end of a flexi lead on a residential street, that is not what they were intended for! Having your dog on a short lead means you have that control should the dog make a sudden move.

Responsible dog ownership is about foresight, not hindsight.

Being responsible doesn’t mean being paranoid—it means being proactive. It doesn't mean your dog will have a miserable life, but a longer one. Carry a lead, use it when walking along roads, and teach your dog that walking calmly at your side is a positive experience. The more we normalise safe behaviour, the more secure our dogs will be.

Let’s keep our dogs safe, our roads safer, and show that as a nation of dog lovers, we care enough to clip the lead on—even if it’s just for a few hundred yards.