As a devoted dog owner and animal enthusiast, I've encountered an upsetting trend on our English locations: an increased number of dogs off their leads with no recall. These unleashed dogs are causing harm to humans, other animals, and even livestock. Tragically, my own dogs have suffered attacks, and I have received verbal abuse from owners who feel it's not against the law to have their dogs off-leash.

The incident doesn’t end at dogs, as even horses and livestock have also been subjected to such attacks. “On average, seven people a day are hospitalised for dog attacks in the UK” as recorded by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) (2014). Dogs off lead with no control not only pose a danger to individuals or other animals but also put an emotional and financial strain on their victims.

The proposed change is simple: require all dogs throughout the UK to be on a lead at all times in public places. Even a rule enforcing a leash (extendable is fine), offers a level of control and protection. This would mitigate most potential dog-related incidents while still allowing our beloved pets the freedom to roam within reason. 

We as a society need to make owning pets a function of responsible duties and not just a privilege. Thankfully, some municipalities have taken note. Several dog fields are being securely enclosed providing a controlled environment for the dogs to run free without causing harm.

It's high time we reshape our laws to reflect the growing need for public safety as well as animal control. Let’s work together, to ensure England's streets and parks are safer for everyone. Please sign this petition, to call for a law mandating that all dogs be put on a lead, whenever out and about in public spaces.