Dog owners in England and Wales are being warned they face a £1,000 fine from now until August if they let their dogs off the lead on open access land. Open access land includes moorlands, forests, lakes, and beaches.
The rule is place from now until July 31, and is implemented to protect ground-nesting birds and livestock, as well as to keep dogs safe. Pet experts at Dog Friendly Retreats have explained the lesser-known wildlife that is at risk by dogs and how to keep both wildlife and dogs safe when walking in the countryside over the next several months.
Whilst many think of bird nests as being high up in the trees, a surprising number of birds in the UK nest on the ground. Ground-nesting birds, such as meadow pipits, hide their eggs in grassy areas on commons, whereas willow warblers tuck themselves away at the base of trees and bushes in woodland areas.
Unfortunately, 66% of ground-nesting birds are in decline in the UK, and from February through to the end of summer, dogs who are running through nesting areas can scare adult birds off before they breed or trample their eggs.
Whilst birds are at risk, dogs can also pose a significant threat to sheep and other grazing livestock when walking through private land. This is not just because dogs can scare or, worse, injure livestock, but because their faeces transmit harmful diseases.
In 2023, farmers collectively faced costs totalling £2.4million due to illnesses and injuries caused by dogs walking off-lead on their land. Experts have shared their top tips for walking your dog in the countryside during the upcoming months, that will keep your furry friend and surrounding wildlife safe.
The most important tip, is to keep your dog on a lead. Whilst its tempting to let them run around for much-needed exercise, if you’re unaware of your surroundings you could scare wildlife, or worse, break the law if you’re on open access land.
Keeping your dog on a lead in high-grass areas can also keep them safe, as it may prevent injuries from threatened wildlife, such as grass snakes. The next tip is insuring you clean up after your dog. Not only is it good manners, it’s essential for keeping the environment and other animals safe.
Dog faeces can cause serious problems for wildlife, and carry detrimental illnesses. If you find that there are limited waste disposal bins around, don’t be tempted to leave the mess behind – this is not only unpleasant for other walkers, it’s hazardous to the environment.
The experts also advise that after walks you thoroughly check your dog for ticks, especially if you’ve been walking through tall grass or wooded areas. Ticks can cause irritation and carry diseases, so do a thorough check of your dog’s fur if you’ve been through a particularly grassy area.
Finally, the experts say you need to make sure you’re in control as a dog owner. This is because you are legally responsible for everything our dog does. If your dog damages someone’s property, or injures an animal, it can not only cause a lot of heartache but also put dog owners at risk of prosecution for any damages.
To help prevent this, make sure your dog’s collar and harness fit well so they can’t slip or wriggle out of it. Also ensure your dog listens to you and is good at coming back to you when you call.
Lastly, pack some tasty treats that you know your dog can’t resist. If you need to grab your pet’s attention at any time, the treats could help.