DEFA won't advise that dogs should be kept on leads in all public spaces

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture won't be advising that dogs are kept on leads in all public places.

It follows the results of a consultation which asked for views on the code of practice for dogs as part of the Animal Welfare Bill.

A number of respondents wanted more information around control of dogs in general, specifically aggressive dogs in public.

However, the department says many dogs are walked safely off the lead around the Island, and so can't advise that pets are always kept on leads in public.