Park rangers asked that dogs are kept on a lead during the breeding season
National park bosses are pleading with dog walkers to keep their animals under control during the wildlife breeding season.
Peak District rangers issued a reminder that dogs must be kept under control so they do not scare birds, wildlife and farm animals. The rangers asked that dogs are kept on a short lead.
National park field services area manager Andy Farmer said: “We are delighted to see people walking their dogs in the countryside, but we ask them to keep their pets on short leads during this particularly sensitive time, until 31 July.
“Sheep and lambs can be badly injured by uncontrolled dogs during the lambing season. Ground-nesting birds like curlew and lapwing, and wild creatures such as hares, are also easily disturbed.
“For its own safety, never let a dog approach or chase wildlife and farm animals; your dog can get kicked, trampled or lost, and it could be shot for chasing livestock.
“If cattle turn on your dog, it’s best to unclip the lead – a dog can usually look after itself. Don’t risk getting hurt by trying to protect it. Get out of the field as quickly as possible, then call your dog as soon as you are out of danger.
“Legally, you do not have to use a lead on public paths, but you should be extra-vigilant in the breeding season, and always use a lead if you can’t rely on your dog’s obedience.”
The Peak District authority staff reminded dog owners they a responsibility under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act to keep their dogs on a lead around wildlife between 1 March and 31 July and at any time near farm animals.
At certain times, even dogs on leads are not allowed on some areas to protect sensitive breeding sites. Owners should obey the signs, the rangers said.
Specialist advice about dogs on moorland is available on the Paws on the Moors website and more general advice can be found on the official Natural England site.
Members of the public can report incidents involving dogs on farmland or moors in the Peak District by contacting the police on 0345 123 3333 or Peak District national park rangers on 01433 670216 at weekends or 01629 816290 on weekdays.
Christopher Nye
29 March 2011How ridiculous. Dog walkers are often the only people out enjoying these places yet they are always being told off. Obviously dogs must be kept on a lead when amongst lambs, but for the rest of the time a lead is not the only way of keeping it under control and ground nesting birds have a lot more to worry about than the occasional passing dog.
Honestly, these conservation nazis at Natural England just want to control everything and stick their nasty, bossy signs all over the countryside.
Jon
29 March 2011It's not at all ridiculous to remind dog owners of their responsibilities. I've seen the consequences on one occasion when a dog was not properly controlled - two drowned and one bitten sheep (ewes, not lambs). The owner wasn't even aware of what the dog was doing. Not all people "in charge" of dogs behave well.
Kinder Kid
30 March 2011I agree with Jon, there are many irresponsible dog owners and some who are just unaware of the damage their dog can do. I am a hill walker from a farming background and we farmed next to a grouse moor, so I have some experience from both sides. It is important to keep promoting responsible dog ownership, so that we can all continue to enjoy the hills and moors.
Bitten and Scarred
19 April 2011Just like a dog owners selfish response - only they matter and their rights take priority over everyone elses... sod the wildlife, the farm animals and other users of the countryside.
Just let your dog run wild to scare and attack animals and people. Then turn round and say - he's only playing.
Hey why not just let it shit everywhere too and risk blinding people!
It's rare to meet a dog owner that can control their dog on a lead, nevermind off it.
Perhaps the reason dog owners are the only ones around is because they have scared off other countryside lovers, with the mess they leave and the aggressive behaviour of their dangerous animals.