Your dog doesn’t know better – but you should
22 Nov 2011 11:27:05
Your dog doesn’t know better but you should – that is the message coming loud and clear from the Countryside Rangers at Dean Castle Country Park who are urging dog owners to know their rights and responsibilities.
Dog fouling continues to be a problem within the park. Under the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 dog owners have a legal duty to clean up after their dog and can face a hefty fine if they don’t. Dog fouling is extremely unpleasant for visitors walking the park’s beautiful paths and it can also spread disease. Owners are being asked to – bag it, tie it and bin it and help keep the park free of dog mess.
Dog walkers, under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, have the right to use most land for recreation as long as they are acting responsibly. This means keeping their dog on a short lead or under close control. Dogs allowed to roam freely can cause ground-nesting and other birds to leave the nest, resulting in loss of clutches and broods. Ground-nesting species are also particularly vulnerable to attack by dogs.
Dogs can also cause distress or loss to livestock and with the animal breeding programme in place at the country park, the Rangers are keen to avoid pregnant livestock becoming distressed. Dog walkers are therefore asked to keep their dog on a lead at the Pets Corner area and surrounding paddocks.
For more information about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code contact the country park on 01563 554734 or speak to a member of staff.
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