Strict dog lead law is being lifted this week after almost six months of tight restrictions

A DOG lead law is set to be lifted this week after nearly half a year of restrictions. Until the rules are lifted, pets should be closely controlled and kept on leads in the countryside. Rules fining owners for taking a dog off its lead are set to be lifted this week Credit: Getty Failure to comply saw owners faced with up to a £100 fine Credit: Getty Rules requiring dog owners to keep their pups on leads in Open Access land areas are set to be lifted on July 31. The seasonal law is part of the Government-backed Countryside Code, which requires dogs to stay on leads, even if there is no livestock present. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Since March 1, owners have faced steep penalties if dogs were caught without leads in a number of specific areas. This includes moorlands, heathlands, and coastal paths, where dogs must be kept on a short lead of no more than two metres. It also states that owners must be confident their pet can return on command, and does not stray off the paths. Anyone caught breaking these seasonal rules could face an on-the-spot fine of up to £100. During these months, ground-nesting birds, such as lapwings, skylarks, and curlews, lay their eggs in empty fields. It is also the prime birthing season for livestock, where calves graze on fresh grass in many countryside locations. Most read in The Sun As a result, it is the responsibility of the owner to make sure their dog stays away from wildlife, lifestock, horses and other people. In March, tougher fines were introduced for owners whose dogs are reasonably suspected of attacking or harassing livestock. Breaking the rules can result in an unlimited fine, with the police also able to seize and detain the dog. Whilst these restrictions will be lifted after 31 July, dog owners are reminded to keep their pets on a lead in affected areas until then. Comment now