Taking Your Dog
Your Dog and Access To Land In Scotland
Landowners and farmers have varying attitudes to dogs.
However, in Scotland they are not the final arbiters of what is and is not permitted on their land with regard to access for you and any dogs you may have with you.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code, produced in compliance with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 explains your rights and restrictions, and sets out guidelines for taking dogs into the outdoors in general, not just the countryside.
There is at least one location in the area, popular with dog walkers, that has a sign saying that dogs out of control will be shot.
The Code indicates that there are circumstances where a farmer has the right to take such an action and, if your dog goes running after sheep and a farmer with a gun sees it, don't expect him not use it to protect his animals.
One short document worth a read is the Scottish Natural Heritage What the Scottish Access Code means for dog owners leaflet.
See below for some direct quotes from the Access Code on the subject of dogs.
Sign at the Dumyat (just outside Clacks) (11 Feb 2009)
Suitability of Walks For Dogs
Each walk gives an indication as to how suitable it is for dogs. This is only an opinion based on experience and understanding at the time of writing up the walk.
Use your own judgement and remember things can change from one day to the next, such as when farm animals are moved, perhaps temporarily, into an area not normally used in that way.
See below for extracts from the Access Code to do with dogs.
Dog Poo Bags
Dog poo bin
Dog poo bags littering town and countryside are a pet hate.
Dropping litter is a disgusting habit.
When the litter consists of a plastic bag, no matter how biodegradable, with dog poo in it, it is even worse.
Yet some people who would criticise someone for dropping an empty plastic bag, or throwing it into the bushes, seem to be happy to do exactly the same thing with bags of their dog's excrement.
It is worse than leaving unbagged dog poo lying around. At least nature will take care of that after a while and it won't assault the eyes if it is in the bushes.
The Access Code says that you should pick up and remove any faeces if your dog defecates in a public open place.
The dog walkers area on the Outdoor Access Scotland website offers free dog poo bags.
Quotes From The Scottish Outdoor Access Code On Dogs
Scottish Natural Heritage encourage the Access Code to be directly quoted. The following are all taken from that document. The numbers are the sections from which the quotes are taken.
do not take a dog into a field where there are lambs, calves or other young animals (3.30);
If you go into a field of cows with a dog, keep as far as possible from the animals and keep the dog on a short lead or under close control – if the cows react aggressively and move towards you, remember to keep calm and take the shortest, safest route out of the field, letting go of the dog if you believe that the animals may attack. (3.30)
If you go into a field of sheep with a dog, keep as far as possible from the animals and keep the dog on a short lead or under close control (3.30);
Access rights extend to people with dogs, provided that the dog(s) are "under proper control" (3.53)
In exercising access rights, you must keep your dog(s) under proper control. You must also ensure that your dog does not worry livestock. (Under the Animals (Scotland) Act 1987, a farmer, in some cases, has the right to shoot your dog if it is attacking livestock.) (3.54)
Fields of vegetables or fruit: The main risk in these fields is that of diseases in dog faeces being transmitted to people. If there is a clear path, such as a core path or a right of way, follow this but keep your dog to the path. In all other cases, it is best to take access in a neighbouring field or on adjacent land. (3.55)
Where possible, choose a route that avoids taking your dog into fields with cows or horses. If you do need to go into such a field, keep as far as possible from the animals and keep your dog(s) on a short lead or under close control. (3.55)
If you need to go into a field of sheep, keep your dog on a short lead or under close control and stay distant from the animals. In more open country, when there are sheep around keep your dog under close control and keep distant from them. (3.55)
You can reduce the likelihood of your dog disturbing ground nesting birds during the breeding season – usually from April to July – by keeping your dog on a short lead or under close control in areas where ground nesting birds are most likely to be found at this time. These areas include moorland, forests, grassland, loch shores and the seashore. (3.55)
Some reservoirs and streams are used for public water supply. If there are intakes nearby, keep your dog out of the water. (3.55)
Do not allow your dog to run onto sports pitches, playing fields or play areas when these are in use. In places where other people are around, particularly children, keeping your dog under close control or on a short lead will help to avoid causing them concern. (3.55)
Dog faeces can carry diseases that can affect humans, farm animals and wildlife. The highest risks are in fields of cattle, sheep and other animals, in fields where fruit and vegetables are growing, and in public open places where people can come into direct contact with dog faeces, such as sports pitches, playing fields, golf courses, play areas, along paths and tracks, and along riverbanks and loch shores. If your dog defecates in these sorts of places, pick up and remove the faeces and take them away with you.
Not doing so in any public open place is an offence under the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003. A public open place does not include agricultural land but it is responsible to lift faeces where there is a risk to farming interests. (3.56)
