Walking and Public rights of way

You and your Dog

Dogs are allowed on rights of way as they are considered a 'usual accompaniment' of a pedestrian. Dogs are not usually required to be kept on a lead, although path users do have a responsibility to keep the dog under close control (to heel) at all times, and local bylaws may apply in some areas.

Should your dog or a dog you are responsible for stray from the legal line of the footpath, trespass would be committed against the landowner. Landowners are not obliged to install stiles that accommodate dogs, and though they may choose to provide a dog latch arrangement, this is done purely at the landowner's discretion.

It is an offence to allow a dog to be at large in a field in which there are sheep. Should a dog worry livestock (farm animal and poultry) the dog owner may be prosecuted and fined. Should a dog injure a person, another animal or affect property, the dog owner may be liable for damages.

Please ensure that you clean up after your dog, it is an offence not to do so. For further information on dog fouling and the recently commenced "The fouling of Land by Dogs (Solihull) Order" please visit the Dog Fouling page.