countryside code dogs on leads

When travelling to outdoor spaces, it is important that we respect the rules in each country and individual region across the UK and do not travel into or out of different areas where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration. Remember that it is a criminal offence to leave litter so make sure you take your rubbish home with you or find the nearest bin. ‘open access’ land) require dogs to be kept on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July, to help protect ground nesting birds, and all year round near farm animals, at the coast, there may also be some local restrictions to require dogs to be kept on a short lead during the bird breeding season, and to prevent disturbance to flocks of resting and feeding birds during other times of year, keeping paths clear and waymarks and signs in good order and up to date will help people stick to the right routes and access points. Your dog will be much safer if you let it run away from a farm animal in these circumstances and so will you. There are special rules on land designated as 'access land'. Be extra cautious on mountains and coastal areas as tides and severe weather conditions can catch you out if you are not careful. See the Countryside Code leaflet for some of the symbols you may come across. ... Countryside … In coastal areas dogs may be required to be kept on leads to prevent them from upsetting nesting birds. Discover whatâs Golden about the Jurassic Coastâs ultimate view point, Wensleydale Bike Club invasion of Sutton Bank. R estrictions may be in place for dogs. Be particularly wary of farm animals with their young. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Ask yourself 3 questions before you set off: Please remember to follow Government guidelines when spending time outside. Conditions can change rapidly especially on mountains and along the coast, so don’t be afraid to turn back. We all have a responsibility to protect the countryside now and for future generations, so make sure you don’t harm animals, birds, plants or trees and try to leave no trace of your visit. Visit Natural England on GOV.UK or contact local information centres or libraries for a list of outdoor recreation groups offering advice on specialist activities. Remember, when in rural areas you may not see people for miles so make sure you act responsibly and look after yourself as well as those in your care. Unless you are sure of your dog’s recall, keep them on a lead at all times when walking on footpaths or near fields of livestock. Always do your best to stick to public footpaths and rights of way. They may kill wildlife or cause harm to people or pets. Before travelling to open spaces, check online to see if they are open. On open access land, dogs are usually required to be kept on a short lead between 1 - 31 March to avoid disturbance of ground nesting birds. This is to protect birds that nest on the ground. Here, whenever livestock are present, dogs should be kept on a fixed lead of less than two metres. Control your dog, especially when there is livestock about. All responsible dog owners must remove dog waste from all areas that the public have access to. 10. When riding a bike or driving a vehicle, slow down or stop for horses, walkers and farm animals and give them plenty of room. When in a group, make sure the last person knows how to leave the gates. I will never forget the injuries those animals sustained so please be a responsible dog owner and keep your pet secure at home and on a lead when in the countryside near animals. Never risk your own safety for a bit of fun, particularly in bad weather. So dog owners are being reminded of the Countryside Code, to keep their dogs under close control at all times and preferably on a lead on most occasions.” Briony concludes: “The Lake District is a wonderful place to be just now with lots to see and do for families, but we just need to remind dog owners in … Everyone deserves respect. Dogs must be kept on a lead at some times of year: March – July on ‘open access land’, like moorland, forests, around lakes and on beaches. ... for people who abuse their right of access by littering or letting dogs run off the lead. Today, there is a total of 7 Countryside Pet Supply coupons and discount deals. If you are unable to recall your dog, then your dog should be on a lead. There are a number of ways you can help them to realise their responsibilities: People come to the countryside to enjoy themselves. In England, the postcode checker can tell you the local COVID alert level in your area. Am I confident I have the knowledge and skills for the day. The Countryside Code helps keep our Try to be careful with naked flames and cigarettes. Machinery can be dangerous and touching it may cause harm to yourself as well as damaging and disrupting expensive equipment. Enjoy it! Leave machinery and farm animals alone - don’t interfere with animals even if you think they’re in distress. Excerpts from the Countryside Code say: “When you take your dog into the outdoors always ensure it does not disturb wildlife, farm animals, horses or other people by keeping it under effective control …. Read about our Livestock Board Chairman Wyn Evans' distressing experience *WARNING graphic content* … Be sure to leave gates exactly how you found them or per the given instructions. This is a great family walk to do on a sunny afternoon as it has plenty of suitable stopping off points for refreshments along the way. Weather can change rapidly so if you see the weather starting to turn donât be afraid to call it a day. By law, dogs must be on short leads in most areas of open country between March 1st and July 31st (to help protect nesting birds), and at all times near farm animals. THE National Sheep Association (NSA)has received an alarming increase in reports of attacks on sheep by dogs over recent weeks, most likely linked to continuing Covid-19 restrictions. This will help prevent infections spreading to other animals and will keep the countryside clean for others to enjoy. Our heritage matters to all of us - be careful not to disturb ruins and historic sites. Leave gates as you find them or follow instructions Our friends at Be AdventureSmart have also put together some useful guidance for keeping safe whilst outside. Planning your trip with a map before you head out will make sure your time in the countryside is enjoyable, and stress free. If your dog has an unreliable recall or you are walking somewhere new or near farm animals as a general rule it is best to keep your dog on a lead. It is essential to remember to always give horses enough room when cycling or driving past them. Most people who visit the countryside are keen to act responsibly and problems are normally due to a lack of understanding. Dog Walking Code Ensure your dog is under effective control, which means: you have a short lead … To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk. You can quickly filter today's Countryside Pet Supply promo codes in order to find exclusive or verified offers. Always check tide times before heading to the beach. However, where you are using the facility please keep your dog on a lead at all times and prevent its fouling. For example, telling visitors about your land management work helps them to avoid getting in your way. I blew him a kiss and he scuttled off, muttering mottle-faced admonitions about dogs, leads and the Countryside Code while staring fixedly at the ground. Keep an OS map handy so that you always know where you are going and can navigate yourself safely. You can now spend more time in the countryside. To help you enjoy your visit to the countryside, and to avoid any problems, the Countryside Service supports the Dog Walking Code. Remember to respect others while out and about in the countryside and most importantly always respect farmers. By law, cyclists must give way to walkers and horse- riders on bridleways. Co-operate with people at work in the countryside. Check weather forecasts before you leave. You are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those in your care. The government has produced this handy video to ensure you stay safe when enjoying outdoor spaces. Pick up after your dog. The Countryside Code is split into three main categories. These maps are not ‘definitive’. If in doubt you can check the legal status of rights of way with your local authority. The Countryside Code gives advice on how you can enjoy your visit to the countryside and also act responsibly to protect the countryside. We For the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, visit www.outdooraccess-scotland.com By law, you must keep your dog under effective control so that it does not scare or … If you take into account the above suggestions, there’s is no reason that you can’t enjoy what the beautiful countryside has to offer. There is lots to see and, even better, fish and chips at the end! For more information about where to walk you dog in Hampshire see the Countryside Canines. The new open country and common land rights require that you must keep your dog on a short lead between 1st March and 31st July and all year round when near farm animals. Especially when animals are rearing their young as animals become more protective. Play and picnic areas: As a general rule please keep your dog well away from these areas. Embrace the heritage of the countryside but be careful to not disturb historical ruins or sites. To get the most out of your trip visit www.naturalengland.org.uk to find out about local information and visitor centres as well as lots of exciting recreational activities you can get involved in. You can find out which areas of open access land are mapped under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 on the open access web pages. Horses . If you think a sign is illegal or misleading such as a ‘Private - No Entry’ sign on a public path, contact the local authority. Farmers may leave gates open or closed depending on where they wish animals to graze so make sure you always abide by signs and instructions or leave them as you found them. The Countryside Code has been developed for England and Wales. For public transport information, phone Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or visit www.traveline.info. Sometimes, controlled fires are used to manage vegetation, particularly on heaths and moors between 1 October and 15 April, but if a fire appears to be unattended then report it by calling 999. This gives added weight to the Country Code which states that you must 'Keep your dogs under close control'. Even when going out locally, it’s best to get the latest information about where and when you can go. Keep your dog on the lead if you’re worried about their recall or think they might be distracted. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Respect people living in the countryside by staying off private property and always abide by no entry signs. Whilst you should always endeavour to be safe, remember that your time in the countryside should be all about having fun and experiencing new adventures. When you take your dog into the outdoors, always ensure it does not disturb wildlife, farm animals, horses or other people by keeping it under effective control. Take some pictures and jump for joy. “However, rural Leicestershire is a working environment for farmers so people should follow the Countryside Code - keeping dogs on a lead around farm animals. Only look - donât touch! Try to alert the farmer instead. A farmer may shoot a dog which is attacking or chasing farm animals without being liable to compensate the dog’s owner. It is important that everyone enjoys the countryside but even more important that it is not harmed or damaged for our own personal enjoyment. keeping dogs on leads You should also continue to follow the Countryside Code and respect, protect and enjoy the countryside. This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/countryside-code-full-online-version. Find out as much as you can about where you are going, plan ahead and follow advice and local signs. Dogs are kept on leads around livestock, kept under close control and dog waste is disposed of responsibly. It is also important to remember that cyclists must give way to walkers and cyclists as they pass by. Regulations differ from area to area so follow local signs to stick to the right path. Advice for land managers. The code explains that is important to plan ahead, stay safe, control your dog … Litter strewn across the countryside can bring harm to local wildlife and ruin the beautiful natural scenery. Steph - 24/10/2020 11:41:33 Large amounts of vehicles in the countryside can be dangerous to wildlife and local people. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve government services. Pack your litter away after a picnic. The law does not rule that a dog be kept on a lead whilst accompanied on a public right of way. it, particularly alongside narrow paths and bridleways, if electric fencing is used, ensure warning signs are visible, use and store any chemicals or poisonous substances responsibly on your land. Protect. To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. As more people venture out into the countryside we're urging dog owners to follow the countryside code as we get reports of more dog attacks. If you feel threatened or are chased by livestock, then let go of the lead for your own safety. They provide homes and food for wildlife, and add to everybody’s enjoyment of the countryside. on signs. NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts (pictured above) said: Restrictions may be in place for dogs. Fires can be as devastating to wildlife and habitats as they are to people and property - so be careful with naked flames and cigarettes at any time of the year. If you are out dog-walking, don't forget that a farmer is legally entitled to shoot your dog if they deemed to be causing distress to the animals. When walking in the countryside or other areas where you’re likely to come across cattle, sheep, horses and other animals, we recommend keeping your dog on a lead. The features of the natural environment are best left where they are. When in a group, make sure the last person knows how … You’re responsible for your own safety and for others in your care - especially children - so be prepared for natural hazards, changes in weather and other events. Use gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries if you can - climbing over walls, hedges and fences can damage them and increase the risk of farm animals escaping. Organised routes and activities make a trip run a lot more safely and smoothly, so put the time in before you leave the house. Part of the appeal of the countryside is that you can get away from it all. The Ordnance Survey’s 1:25,000 maps show public rights of way and access land. Think about the environment before hopping in your car and instead, use public transport to reduce pollution. A farmer will normally close gates to keep farm animals in, but may sometimes leave them open so the animals can reach food and water. They have the first line of responsibility to keep themselves and their children safe while there, but you need to ensure that your activities do not knowingly put them at risk: Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. Between 1 October and 30 April, horses can be exercised on the beach at any time. Basically, itâs safe to say we love When you are in the countryside, act responsibly and respect local environment, people and animals, stay … It is always good practice to keep your dog on a lead around farm animals …. Consider leaving your car at home. Wild animals, farm animals and horses can behave unpredictably if you get too close, especially if they’re with their young - so give them plenty of space. encourage people to respect your wishes by giving clear, polite guidance where it’s needed. A farmer may shoot a dog which is attacking or chasing farm animals without being liable to compensate the dog’s owner. Everyone follows the Countryside Code and is respectful that the countryside is a working environment. Busy traffic on small country roads can be unpleasant and dangerous to local people, visitors and wildlife - so slow down and where possible, leave your vehicle at home, consider sharing lifts and use alternatives such as public transport or cycling. Get to know the signs and symbols used in the countryside to show paths and open countryside. Please ensure your dog remains on a lead until well clear of the car park, both for its own safety and to prevent fouling. But there is a fine line between enjoying the countryside On open access land, dogs are usually required to be kept on a short lead between 1 - 31 March to avoid disturbance of ground nesting birds. You’ll get more from your visit if you refer to up-to-date maps or guidebooks and websites before you go. Be sure to not touch or pet farm animals to avoid causing them distress, and notify a farmer if you see any animal looking hurt or in danger. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3, Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support, Check how the new Brexit rules affect you, Transparency and freedom of information releases, consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors, leave gates and property as you find them and follow paths unless wider access is available, leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home, keep it in sight at all times, be aware of what it’s doing and be confident it will return to you promptly on command, ensure it does not stray off the path or area where you have a right of access, dogs may be banned from certain areas that people use, or there may be restrictions, byelaws or control orders limiting where they can go, the access rights that normally apply to open country and registered common land (known as © Ordnance Survey document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); / Privacy Policy. 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