Dogs owners are being urged to follow the Countryside Code

Dogs owners are being urged to follow the Countryside Code

National park bosses in the Lake District are urging dog owners to act responsibly as the lambing season approaches.

The national park authority is asking walkers with dogs to keep them under control and to clean up any mess the animals make.

The authority is providing lambing signs to landowners to remind dog owners of their responsibilities under the Countryside Code.

It said, although there may not be lambs in the fields yet, many ewes are preparing for their arrival and people are being asked to pick up after their pets and to ensure that they are kept under control at all times.

National park farming officer Briony Davey said: “The threat of dogs stressing sheep during lambing season is a real concern to farmers as it can lead to injury and even cause the ewe to abort the lamb.

“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.

“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 particular to think about how they can affect our wildlife and our countryside at this exciting time.”

Dog owners also need to be aware of is the damage dog fouling can cause to sheep and cattle, the authority said.

Local vet Ann Noble said this is especially important for dogs that haven’t been wormed.

She said: “As the dogs don’t display any symptoms, owners may not know that they are infected, but any sheep or cattle grazing on contaminated grass are at risk of becoming very ill, which is a worry for farmers.

“It’s a very real problem, as I know of a case recently where 42 sheep were made severely ill from this type of infection, which meant a loss of at least £3,000 to the farmer. Treatment to worm dogs is very simple and should include worming for tapeworm to avoid these problems.”

Ken Pears, who farms at Caldbeck Common, said: “It’s an unpleasant problem that is so easily avoided by dog owners being aware of the issue.

“Although most dog owners are responsible, there is a minority who put livestock at risk by not picking up after their pet and taking the bags home with them.”

Some articles the site thinks might be related:

  1. Rescuers praise mountain bikers who aided cragfast Lakeland walker
  2. Campaigners urge outdoor fans to sign petition to help stop national park sell-offs
  3. Mountain Bothies Association takes over Lingy Hut in northern Lake District
  4. Rescue dogs and handlers make the grade in Welsh test