Latest news with #CountrysideCode
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Huge £1,000 fine dog owners face for common mistake while on a walk this summer – it could be dangerous for your pet too
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUMMER is almost here and if you're a dog-owner, there's a rule you should know about. If you're planning to take your pooch for country walks, avoid this costly mistake. 2 Dog owners can face up to £1,000 in fines during country walks between now and the end of July Credit: Getty Between March 1 and July 31, dog walkers are at risk of a fine when enjoying a country stroll. While you may be tempted to let your pooch off its leash when in a more remote setting, be warned that this move could cost you up to £1,000. It's common knowledge to keep your dog leashed in busy public areas, but during the spring and summer period the same rules apply to the UK countryside. According to the Countryside Code, you should "always keep dogs under control and in sight". "The countryside, parks, and the coast are great places to exercise your dog but you need to consider other users and wildlife," the code outlines. Dog owners are required to keep their pets "under effective control" to make sure they stay away from wildlife, livestock, horses, and other people "unless invited". The government law advised members of the public to "always keep your dog on a lead or in sight" and "be confident your dog will return on command". You should also ensure your dog "does not stray from the path or area where you have right of access". The code recommends checking local signs for the area's restrictions on canines in public. "Local areas may also ban dogs completely, except for assistance dogs," the code explained. Shocking moment plane passenger 'folds' her dog into a tiny carry-on bag at gate in desperate bid to get pup onto flight The law also specified rules surrounding walking your dog in areas with livestock. "It is good practice wherever you are to keep your dog on a lead around livestock," the code stipulated. "On Open Access land and at the coast, you must put your dog on a lead around livestock. "Between 1 March and 31 July, you must have your dog on a lead on Open Access land, even if there is no livestock on the land." And while this law helps to protect livestock, ignoring it may put your pooch at risk too. More summer risks to dogs EXPERTS are warning pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to taking their dogs out this summer - especially when it comes to taking them to the beach. Dr Rebecca MacMillan says it is important that dog parents are well prepped to ensure a safe trip away with their dog. From consumption of salt water, to open holes, the Gloucestershire-based vet says there are hidden hazards to look out for. Angela Laws, who is head of community at British pet-sitting platform TrustHousesitters, also urges pet owners to 'prioritise safety' and to 'be aware of potential hazards.' Preventing injuries Large holes can be hidden amongst the sand, which can cause injury if your dog trips or falls into it. Dr Rebecca is warning pet owners, as if you are playing fetch with them, your dog might not be 'expecting a hole' as they are running, which can cause them to fall and injure themselves. Talking to the Femail, Dr Rebecca also wanted to be mindful of other beach-going pets if you and your dog choose to dig a hole and to fill it back up before heading off. Food for thought Although you would never dream of drinking the water from the sea, your pets may view it as a large bowl of water for them. However, seawater consumption is extremely dangerous for your dogs according to Dr Rebecca. Drinking saltwater can disrupt the 'balance of electrolyte in the body and cause dehydration,' according to Rebecca. This is also the case for sand as too much sand can cause a painful obstruction, 'which may require surgery.' Check the temperature Just like humans, pets can get heat stroke too. It is most likely to occur when the body's temperature rises above 36C and hits 40C. Dr Rebbeca suggests caution when the weather outside hits 25C, and especially if it's over 27C. She also warned pet owners to do their research on the type of breed of their dog, as some will be much more 'prone to heatstroke.' Dr Rebecca says these dogs include flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, and large breeds with thick coats. She urges dog parents to make sure their pet is well hydrated, try to keep them in the shade and remember to be aware of their paws burning on the ground. Digging dangers Dr Rebecca there could be anything from discarded BBQ's with hot coals, to broken glass or sharp objects. She said: 'If your pooch is prone to digging, make sure you're nearby in case of any unexpected finds.' "A farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock," the law explained. "They may not be liable to compensate the dog's owner." In the event where you feel threatened by livestock or horses while walking your dog, the code recommends letting your pooch loose. "Do not risk getting hurt protecting your dog," the code advises. "Releasing your dog will make it easier for you both to reach safety." Dog owners have also been warned to keep their pets clear of nesting areas this spring. And a UK beaches have reintroduced the restrictions regarding dogs on beaches during the summer months.
The Sun
03-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Huge £1,000 fine dog owners face for common mistake while on a walk this summer – it could be dangerous for your pet too
SUMMER is almost here and if you're a dog-owner, there's a rule you should know about. If you're planning to take your pooch for country walks, avoid this costly mistake. 2 Between March 1 and July 31, dog walkers are at risk of a fine when enjoying a country stroll. While you may be tempted to let your pooch off its leash when in a more remote setting, be warned that this move could cost you up to £1,000. It's common knowledge to keep your dog leashed in busy public areas, but during the spring and summer period the same rules apply to the UK countryside. According to the Countryside Code, you should "always keep dogs under control and in sight". "The countryside, parks, and the coast are great places to exercise your dog but you need to consider other users and wildlife," the code outlines. Dog owners are required to keep their pets"under effective control" to make sure they stay away from wildlife, livestock, horses, and other people "unless invited". The government law advised members of the public to "always keep your dog on a lead or in sight" and "be confident your dog will return on command". You should also ensure your dog "does not stray from the path or area where you have right of access". The code recommends checking local signs for the area's restrictions on canines in public. "Local areas may also ban dogs completely, except for assistance dogs," the code explained. Shocking moment plane passenger 'folds' her dog into a tiny carry-on bag at gate in desperate bid to get pup onto flight The law also specified rules surrounding walking your dog in areas with livestock. "It is good practice wherever you are to keep your dog on a lead around livestock," the code stipulated. "On Open Access land and at the coast, you must put your dog on a lead around livestock. "Between 1 March and 31 July, you must have your dog on a lead on Open Access land, even if there is no livestock on the land." And while this law helps to protect livestock, ignoring it may put your pooch at risk too. More summer risks to dogs EXPERTS are warning pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to taking their dogs out this summer - especially when it comes to taking them to the beach. Dr Rebecca MacMillan says it is important that dog parents are well prepped to ensure a safe trip away with their dog. From consumption of salt water, to open holes, the Gloucestershire-based vet says there are hidden hazards to look out for. Angela Laws, who is head of community at British pet-sitting platform TrustHousesitters, also urges pet owners to 'prioritise safety' and to 'be aware of potential hazards.' Preventing injuries Large holes can be hidden amongst the sand, which can cause injury if your dog trips or falls into it. Dr Rebecca is warning pet owners, as if you are playing fetch with them, your dog might not be 'expecting a hole' as they are running, which can cause them to fall and injure themselves. Talking to the Femail, Dr Rebecca also wanted to be mindful of other beach-going pets if you and your dog choose to dig a hole and to fill it back up before heading off. Food for thought Although you would never dream of drinking the water from the sea, your pets may view it as a large bowl of water for them. However, seawater consumption is extremely dangerous for your dogs according to Dr Rebecca. Drinking saltwater can disrupt the 'balance of electrolyte in the body and cause dehydration,' according to Rebecca. This is also the case for sand as too much sand can cause a painful obstruction, 'which may require surgery.' Check the temperature Just like humans, pets can get heat stroke too. It is most likely to occur when the body's temperature rises above 36C and hits 40C. Dr Rebbeca suggests caution when the weather outside hits 25C, and especially if it's over 27C. She also warned pet owners to do their research on the type of breed of their dog, as some will be much more 'prone to heatstroke.' Dr Rebecca says these dogs include flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, and large breeds with thick coats. She urges dog parents to make sure their pet is well hydrated, try to keep them in the shade and remember to be aware of their paws burning on the ground. Digging dangers Dr Rebecca there could be anything from discarded BBQ's with hot coals, to broken glass or sharp objects. She said: 'If your pooch is prone to digging, make sure you're nearby in case of any unexpected finds.' "A farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock," the law explained. "They may not be liable to compensate the dog's owner." In the event where you feel threatened by livestock or horses while walking your dog, the code recommends letting your pooch loose. "Do not risk getting hurt protecting your dog," the code advises. "Releasing your dog will make it easier for you both to reach safety." Dog owners have also been warned to keep their pets clear of nesting areas this spring. And a UK beaches have reintroduced the restrictions regarding dogs on beaches during the summer months.
BBC News
02-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Signage reminds walkers to respect the Manx countryside
People have been reminded to act responsibly while enjoying the countryside on the Isle of Man as lambing season Manx National Farmers' Union has created signs to highlight the Countryside Code, which includes advice to leave gates as you find them and keep dogs on secretary Sarah Comish said the rules existed to "protect livestock and farmland" and the signage aimed to provide a greater understanding of the guidance would be an "immense help to people who are farming and taking care of the lambs", she said. The posters remind residents and visitors to stick to established footpaths, to take any litter home, not to feed livestock and to give them also encourage those who see an animal in distress to contact the farmer or landowner, rather than try to step in to help. 'Protect the natural order' The union has urged those who find lambs on their own not to remove them, as they often shelter or rest while their is grazing nearby and therefore "had not been abandoned".Ms Comish said it was "really important to protect the natural order" as separating a lamb from its mother broke the bond between the said the "vast majority" of people who went out in the Manx countryside and used the footpaths "don't go out with the intention to cause harm".It was hoped the signage would help to develop "respect for people who have a livelihood on the land and for the animals that are living out there". Members of the farming community have been encouraged to contact the union for a free sign to display on their gates, to promote the details of the code. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
20-02-2025
- General
- BBC News
Second dog survives 50ft fall from Kiplingcotes railway bridge
A dog owner has renewed calls for a sign to be put on an old railway bridge warning people about a steep drop after her pet fell about 50ft (15m) over a wall and was left seriously Theakston said she was unaware of the drop as she walked her dogs off-lead along the path from Kiplingcotes to Market Weighton, in East Yorkshire, on said Labrador Bertie made "horrific cries" after he fell and suffered multiple injuries including three broken ribs and fractures to his neck and spine. He is the second pet to fall from the same spot in six months. A council said a sign had been put up after the first incident in August 2024, which left a dog in critical condition. Ms Theakston said: "Bertie had a fracture to his neck, a fracture to his spine, a broken leg, three broken ribs and broken teeth."He was not in a good way," she East Riding of Yorkshire council sign close to the bridge urges visitors to observe the Countryside Code, which informs owners to keep dogs on a lead or under close control. But there is nothing warning visitors about the steep drop, Ms Theakston has said. Following the incident, at the weekend, two unofficial signs were put up, including one warning of the Ms Theakston said there needed to be a permanent official warning sign to prevent similar cases in the future."I never want other families to experience what we have gone through," she said. In August 2024, Labrador Cherry suffered five broken vertebrae in her neck, a broken wrist, liver damage and air around the lungs after plunging from the same the time, Cherry's owner Suzanne Mckeown told the BBC she too had been unaware of the drop and said there needed to be a warning sign in place to make people incident prompted an investigation, which the authority said had resulted in the Countryside Code sign being erected, "but no other measures were deemed necessary".A spokesperson for the council said: "We continue to urge pet owners to follow the Countryside Code and keep dogs on leads to prevent this type of incident."This is the same for thousands of locations across the East Riding. Owners are responsible for keeping their pets safe."Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Dog owners warned as sheep attacks rise in Cumbria
Dog owners have been warned after a rise in sheep attacks in Cumbria. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) and Cumbria Police have urged people to keep their pets under control in the countryside. This comes after an increase in attacks on sheep, which is believed to be partly due to a surge in dog ownership during the coronavirus lockdown. As the lambing season begins, the NFU and police are working to encourage pet owners to follow the Countryside Code and ensure their dogs are kept under control. The most recent NFU Mutual data shows that, nationally, the claims costs of dog attacks on farm animals rose to more than £2.4 million in 2023. This is a 30 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Cumbrian farmers are also reporting a significant rise in incidents. NFU Cumbria chair John Longmire said: "There was a big rise in dog ownership in lockdown and many people don't understand what can happen in the countryside when they don't have control of their dogs. "Sadly, the situation has been getting worse. "It does have a financial impact on the business, but the animal welfare issue is the main concern. "It is really awful to see the animals suffer in this way, and it is upsetting for the pet owners who just didn't expect their dog was capable of such things." Livestock worrying, which includes barking, chasing, biting, and killing, is a criminal offence. Dog owners could be liable for prosecution or a fine under the Animals Act 1971. Incidents can cause anxiety, miscarriage, and injuries among flocks. Sergeant Amanda McKirdy, of Cumbria Constabulary's Rural Crime Team, said: "We urge dog owners to keep their pets on leads around livestock. "The majority of dog owners do take care around livestock, but it's extremely important to follow signs and stick to footpaths. "It is also important to check your properties and gardens are secure when you have dogs." The NFU and its members have campaigned to tighten the legislation around livestock worrying. Aphra Brandreth, Chester South and Eddisbury MP, presented The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill last year. This was welcomed by the NFU and aims to give the police greater powers to deal with problem dogs and respond to livestock worrying more effectively. If passed, the Bill would also broaden the scope of legislation to incorporate livestock such as alpacas and llamas, as well as widening the enforcement area to include roads and paths. Mr Longmire added: "At this time of year many ewes are lambing, and these sheep and offspring are highly vulnerable, and we have an individual and community responsibility to ensure that we all get to enjoy our countryside without causing distress and harm to livestock."
