It isn't necessary for dogs to be kept on a lead at all times.

However, dogs must be kept on their lead in designated pedestrian zones and on land where livestock is present.

Councils have by-laws to show the areas where leashing is required, such as in public parks.

We asked our readers if they thought dogs should be kept on leads at all times.

Here's what you had to say.

Amy Lawson explained: "If you're near roads, animals or children's play areas, swollen/fast flowing water or walking towards another dog on a lead, then yes, but if your dog is well trained, they should be allowed off a lead when it is safe to do so. So important for their mental stimulation and fitness."

Lucy Warwick continued: "Myself a dog owner and also look after working dogs. Just because your dog who is off the lead is friendly doesn’t mean mine are friendly and they run up to my dogs they will attack. They are protecting and anything running towards myself they want to fend off."

Louise Brown said: "Definitely yes. Unless you've found a field for them to run around in."

Helen Louise Fewell Stephens added: "I keep my dog on a lead in public places but over the field where there is no livestock he runs free, if I see other dog owners coming in my direction he goes back on a lead. So yes in public places."

Gail Carr commented: "If walking near livestock, walking up to anyone else if they have a dog or not and also walking in a town then yes they should be on a lead.

"Your dog maybe friendly and well trained but it only takes one thing to scare a dog and they’ll run onto the road, your dog maybe friendly but may scare (unknowingly) someone or someone else’s dog may not be friendly and so then if a dog attacks who’s at fault?

"Yes dogs need freedom but people have to train their dogs to come back to them on demand before you let them off a lead in public areas. Common sense on all parts are needed and to be honest that’s the part that worries me."

Ryan Williams said: "Dogs need to be off the lead for exercise, they need a good run and seeing the joy it brings them a gallop on shore on wet sand it's great."

Sandra Allen continued: "Yes, if you actually loved your dog it would be kept by your side as your children are, there are long enough leads to allow them to run freely."

Clare Leigh said: "Yes, unless it is a designated area for off lead exercise. Too many people seem to think it is acceptable to let their dogs run loose and out of control anywhere regardless of the damage they can do."

Elaine O'Brien explained: "If dogs are under control of their owner and not near the public highway then they should be allowed off lead. The problem we have is the majority of pet dog owners have very little control of their dogs. There's no excuse for a dog running up to other dogs and people. Dogs need to be trained. As a dog owner myself I get very fed up of dogs running up to my dogs with the owner shouting its OK because they're friendly. Its not OK , its very bad manners."

Diane Garcia added: "Yes I have seen poor dogs on leads when dogs off leads run at them aggressively and the owners often haven’t got control."

Susan Anne Lennon explained: "Mine are always off in our local park as so are most dogs in there we usually meet same dogs most days but if am not sure I put mine back on the lead."

Helen Beaty continued: "Not allowing dogs sufficient exercise is how you end up with problem dogs. Mental and physical stimulation/exercise is how you get a happy dog. Pent up energy and all that."

Do you think dogs should be kept on leads at all times?