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.

Stephen Kelland explained: "There should be on and off leash areas. If your dogs well trained and non aggressive it should be allowed to run free in designated areas.

"Aggressive dogs should be muzzled and leashed in public."

Keir Lightfoot continued: "This shouldn’t be even an issue the correct answer should always be yes."

Nina Marie Williams added: "If your dog has a 100 per cent recall, no.

"If not, then yes.

"I saw one lady at Aldingham let her dog out of the car and she got back in, shut the door and left her dog to it while her and a passenger drank a coffee."

Dee Milligan commented: "If you're a responsible owner and your dogs have perfect recall, no. You know as an owner when to put your dog on a lead and when its safe to let them off, if you can't control your dogs then they should be kept on lead. It's about responsible and sensible dog ownership."

Samantha Sherwood explained: "Some areas but dogs need off lead time for proper exercise. It would be unfair to keep a high energy dog on lead. As long as their trained and don't bother anyone."

Lorraine Wrigglesworth added: "Dogs need to run, sniff, socialise, they are not toys, so they need both on and off leash areas."

Emma Dixon continued: "No. Dogs need proper exercise, as long as your dog has good recall and doesn't approach other dogs what’s the problem."

Natasha Reed explained: "It's about common sense I wouldn't let my dog off in the park or town where it's busy, but down the beach or open field then yes."

Liz Dixon said: "In some places yes and definitely not allowing your dog to approach another dog that is on a lead. So irresponsible to say “oh my dogs ok” so if you can’t control your dog with first command it should be on a lead at all times."

Rie Watson commented: "My dog is off the lead most of the time. She either ignores or falls onto her belly at other dogs and humans and her recall is amazing. No need to have her on a lead around livestock but we do if they're in the vicinity."

Pam Meg continued: "For the likes of a border collie or spaniel or any working kind of dog lead walking is forced exercise and not good for there mental well being. Dogs are too quickly blamed for a lot these days when it’s the owners responsible to ensure if they are off the lead they are safe to be so. And all dog owners are being penalised for the irresponsible ones that don’t care."

Katie O'Brien added: "Absolutely not. My dog is fabulous and comes back when called. My dog is on a lead near live stock but we mostly walk in the forest where she can run free. I am a responsible dog owner. There is a slight few who are not and they probably shouldn't have pets. If we come across another dog I put mine back on the lead until both parties know it's safe to let our dogs play together."

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