In a recent meeting, Shepton Mallet Town Council resolved to reintroduce the requirement for dogs to be kept on leads in Collett Park.

The decision, aimed at ensuring the safety and enjoyment of the park for all users, will see the implementation of a bylaw enforcing this regulation.

By reintroducing the requirement for dogs to be on leads, the council aims to minimise disturbances and ensure a pleasant environment for all park visitors, including families, children, and other dog owners.

Residents and visitors to Collett Park are encouraged to stay informed about the new requirement and to participate in the forthcoming public awareness efforts to understand the importance of this bylaw for the community.

In the UK there is no blanket law requiring dogs to be kept on a lead in all public spaces. However, there are a series of orders that mean you have to leash your dog in certain places in your local area, for example children's play areas, sports pitches, roads, parks and beaches.

The Highway Code also says that dogs should be kept on a short lead along roads and on paths shared with horse riders or cyclists (rule 56).

Many local authorities have introduced Public Spaces Protection Orders over the last couple of years to restrict dogs to being walked on lead (or excluded from the area entirely) in certain public spaces.