Laws & Responsible Dog Walking in Scotland

In Scotland, you have the right to access most land for walking, including with your dog, but you must act responsibly.

The Outdoor Access Code says:

• Keep your dog under close control at all times.
• Use a lead when around livestock.
• Avoid fields with young animals (lambs, calves).
• Never disturb wildlife, especially during nesting and breeding seasons.
• Clean up all dog waste and dispose of it properly.
• Leave gates as you find them and stay on marked paths where possible.

Under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010 and the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is an offence for a dog to be “dangerously out of control” in any place, including public spaces and private property.

A dog may be considered out of control if it:

• Causes fear, alarm, or injury to a person or another animal
• Displays aggressive behaviour, even if no injury occurs
• Is not under effective control by its owner

Local authorities can issue Dog Control Notices (DCNs) where concerns are raised. These may require the owner to comply with measures such as:

• Keeping the dog on a lead in public
• Using a muzzle in public spaces
• Attending training or behaviour classes
• Ensuring secure fencing or containment at home
• Neutering the dog

Failure to comply with a DCN is a criminal offence.

Important to note

“Out of control” is not limited to biting or attacking. Behaviour such as persistent lunging, chasing, or sustained aggressive barking can also meet the legal threshold if it causes fear or concern.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 protects farm animals from being chased, attacked, or distressed by dogs.

Livestock worrying includes situations where a dog:

• Chases or approaches livestock in a way that causes injury or suffering
• Causes stress to animals, which may lead to miscarriage in pregnant livestock
• Triggers panic, causing livestock to injure themselves while trying to escape
• Separates young animals from their mothers, potentially leading to starvation or hypothermia

Livestock includes sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, alpacas, deer, poultry, and enclosed game birds.

Penalties can include:

• Fines of up to £40,000
• Up to 12 months imprisonment
• Dogs being seized by the police
• Owners being banned from keeping dogs

Dog owners are legally required to clean up and properly dispose of dog waste.

Key points

• Dog waste must always be picked up in public areas
• Waste should be bagged and placed in any public litter bin
• Fixed penalty notices can be issued for failing to clean up after your dog

In Scotland, all dogs must be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks. It is also a legal requirement that owner details are kept up to date at all times.

It is an offence to sell, transfer, or rehome a dog that is not microchipped.

Key points

• All dogs must be microchipped by 8 weeks old
• Owner contact details must remain accurate and up to date
• It is illegal to sell or rehome an un-microchipped dog

Why it matters

Microchipping helps ensure lost or injured dogs can be quickly reunited with their owners, improving safety and reducing the time a dog may spend away from home.

Different times of year bring different risks for dogs in rural and countryside areas. Being aware of these helps protect wildlife, livestock, and your dog.

Lambing Season (February – May)

• Keep dogs on a short lead near farmland
• Avoid entering fields where young animals are present

Ground-Nesting Birds (March – July)

• Keep dogs on a lead in moorland, dunes, and rural grassland areas
• Stick to designated paths in sensitive wildlife habitats

Calving Season & Bulls

Where possible, avoid walking dogs in fields containing:

• Calves
• Cows with young calves
• Bulls
• Any livestock areas with “no dogs” signage