The cyclists will tackle the Buttertubs Pass in the Yorkshire Dales on Saturday
National park bosses are urging visitors to keep their dogs under control as extra crowds converge on the area for the Tour de France.
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is gearing up for hundreds of thousands of visitors over the coming weekend as the event’s Grand Départ makes its way through the district.
Walkers, particularly those with dogs, are being warned to take extra care as the breeding season for wildlife and livestock is still underway.
Alan Hulme, the authority’s head of ranger services, said dogs can cause long-term damage if they are allowed to run free, and can also put their owners in danger.
He said: “The breeding season for wildlife and for farm animals is still with us and, although dog owners say their pet never chases or attacks sheep and lambs, some do.
“In addition, a lot of people don’t appreciate that dogs can cause just as much harm unintentionally by keeping parents away from their young, which leaves eggs, fledglings and lambs vulnerable.
“At the same time, dog owners and walkers should be aware that cattle can sometimes become aggressive towards their pets and them, especially when calves are around.
“If you are walking in a field of cows and they start coming towards you, the best thing you can do if you feel threatened is to get to safety yourself. If you have a dog with you, let go of its lead; it can look after itself well enough.”
The authority reminded walkers that, on Countryside and Rights of Way Act open access land, you must keep your dog on a short lead until July 31, and all year round near farm animals.
It said national park rangers and national park centre staff are happy to give advice to anyone who is concerned about going into area that may be used as a breeding ground by wild animals.
The Tour de France will make its way through Wharfedale, Swaledale and Wensleydale on Saturday. The following day it skirts the southern boundary of the Yorkshire Dales national park before turning south into the South Pennines and Peak District.
Route details are on the Le Tour Yorkshire website.
Lizzie B
04 July 2014Fine, I always control my dog and would never allow her to run free where there are sheep - even though she is so well trained that just one quick call of her name will bring her belting towards me. However - how about some stern warnings, or better still, fines, for those who will surely be leaving mounds of litter in their wake after the 'Tour de France?' Who is going to clean up after it all?