Just wondering what exactly the laws are regarding scootering/using rigs with dogs (in my case huskys). As lots of you know I plan to start scootering with mine but I want to actually be able to scooter with them regularly - without having to drive them miles and not just once in a while at an event. I've heard a licence is needed is this true. I live next to a public footpath that leads through fields and near the coast so lots of beaches but don't think I can get a licence to scooter at these places. Can anyone help me out with what I am/am not able to do? I didn't think it would be this confusing and complicated!

We have lots of places near us that we go on ...we never go on public roads though. We have access to private land for one track, most of the others are just public tracks next to fields and the like...but as we live in Lincolnshire we can see for miles around in case anyone else is coming.

> we can see for miles around in case anyone else is coming

Wish I was so lucky. I'm in Lancashire so theres lots of hills! I would never take them on a public road but I was thinking the footpath and fields at the side of my house would be good. It can get quite busy with dog walkers but only really about 8 in the morning before people leave for work and between 4.30 and 6 at night as people get home.

You can check with your local council ...whilst I am not sure about the actual legalities, I would think being on private land would be better. Some forests etc do issue permits I think

can only suggest local council

there is no requirement for insurance ie vehicle as you are not driving/riding in a "mechanically propelled vehicle", but there may be by-laws in your local area

as far as I know, the police don't have any dealings unless land-owners complain

the best thing may be to find a local land-owner who is happy for you to scooter on his land :)

Could you use a local bridleway, or would you not be allowed?

No, I don't think any wheeled vehicle is allowed on a bridleway.

I'm 99% certain that it's illegal to use a dog to pull a cart or rig on the the public highway.

Can you not cycle on a bridleway then?  I have no idea!

I was at the Scottish sled dog racing a few weeks ago and was speaking to a woman who says she got to know people in the forestry commission and was given a key to access their paths that are usually closed to vehicles.  apparently that is fairly normal for sled dog people so it is often who you know.  Time to contact your local friendly forestry commission man.

Different rules for Scotland though... here in England we pay for the privilege of running the dogs on Forestry land ;-)

Oh, and we have to have 3rd party liability insurance :-)

It was someone from England who told me, think she was in somerset. I didn't speak to her about insurance though.