West Yorkshire runs from city parks in Leeds and Bradford to Pennine moors and wooded valleys, and its five councils don’t agree on dog rules. We’ve set out what each one says, and where we couldn’t confirm a detail we’ve said so. The county is landlocked, so there are no beach bans.
Council rules
Leeds City Council’s order has been in force since 24 March 2025 and expires on 23 March 2028. Dogs must be on a lead and under close control on roads, footpaths and verges beside roads, and at signed sites, and a lead on an officer’s direction. Fouling must be picked up immediately, and a pocket doesn’t count as a means of carrying a bag. The limit is four dogs per person, or six for insured professional walkers who aren’t walking with other dogs. The fixed penalty is £100, reduced to £80 within 10 days. Roundhay Tropical World and Canal Gardens, Temple Newsam Home Farm and Lotherton’s Bird Garden are dog-free, and the Golden Acre Demonstration Garden and lake area need leads.
Bradford made its order on 16 May 2024 for three years, so it runs to about May 2027. It requires pick-up, bans dogs from equipped play areas and skate and BMX parks, and sets no dog limit; the fixed penalty is £100, or £80 within 7 days. Kirklees has an order from 2025 requiring leads of 2m or less in all parks, cemeteries, roads and car parks, and at Castle Hill Local Nature Reserve from 1 March to 31 July. We couldn’t find its fixed penalty, and the document’s dates are inconsistent. Calderdale’s orders run to 2028, with a maximum of six dogs at Beechwood Park, Ogden Reservoir, Rolls Head Recreation Ground, Hardcastle Crags and Turn Lea Recreation Ground. We couldn’t confirm any Wakefield order, so check its council page.
Moors and nature
Bradford Council asks for effective control at all times on Ilkley Moor, and a lead when livestock is around and during the ground-nesting bird season, which it gives as March to July. At Marsden Moor (National Trust), a short lead of 2m is needed from 1 March to 31 July. Yorkshire Water bans swimming in its reservoirs and warns dogs not to swim in or drink the water because of blue-green algae, and it asks for a short lead on open access land from 1 March to 31 July. Adders are active from February to October, and if one bites, keep the dog still and go straight to a vet.
Estates and parks
At Hardcastle Crags (National Trust), dogs must be under close control in the woodland and on a lead in fields and at Gibson Mill, with a short lead around sheep. At Nostell, dogs can be off lead under close control in the parkland and dog run, but not in the garden or house. Yorkshire Sculpture Park asks for dogs on a lead at all times, and Harewood asks for leads in its designated areas. Otley Chevin Forest Park welcomes dogs under control, with off-lead only for reliable recall. Ilkley Lido has run a “Doggy Day” with its own rules, but check whether it still does.
What we couldn’t confirm
We couldn’t confirm dog rules at Pugneys, Newmillerdam, Saltaire, Shipley Glen, Bradford’s Bowling Park, Shibden Park, Greenhead and Tolson parks, Haworth Moor or the canal towpaths, nor any current algae notice at a named reservoir. Cannon Hall is in South Yorkshire, and Marsden Moor and Standedge border Greater Manchester.
Moors, livestock and busy parks make for a lot to take in. A calming bite can help take the edge off a busier day out, and if your dog struggles to settle wherever you walk, that is worth a word with your vet or a qualified trainer. For everything else, see our West Yorkshire dog services hub, and if you want a fenced field to let a reactive dog run, our secure dog fields in West Yorkshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dogs can I walk in Leeds?
Four per person, or six for insured professional walkers who aren’t walking with other dogs.
Do dogs need a lead on Ilkley Moor?
Bradford Council asks for effective control at all times, and a lead when livestock is around and during the ground-nesting bird season, March to July.
Can dogs swim in Yorkshire Water reservoirs?
No. Yorkshire Water bans swimming in its reservoirs and warns that dogs shouldn’t swim in or drink the water because of blue-green algae.
Written by Georgiana & Figo, who has strong views on moorland sheep.
