Dog owners have been urged to keep their pet on a short lead to help protect wildlife and livestock, particularly sheep, by Bradford Council.
The council said the warning is specifically relevant for the time of year, as it is ground-nesting season for different types of wildlife and lambing season for sheep.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) are in place to protect ground-nesting birds like curlew, lapwing and UK ground-nesting season (March-July), according to the council, as well as sheep during lambing season which can run up to as late as June.
The council has warned that farmers can shoot dogs that are attacking or chasing their livestock and that the dog’s owner may not be compensated.
Danny Jackson of Bradford Council’s countryside and rights of way team said it is great to see people enjoying the countryside during the spring and summer months, but he has countryside visitors to be aware of the UK government’s ‘Countryside Code’.
“It’s great to see so many people enjoying our beautiful natural areas across the district, including our moorland and we are urging everyone to follow the Countryside Code,” he said.
Jackson said: “Dogs are naturally inquisitive, but this can lead to real problems, especially from February to the end of summer, when many species are breeding.
“It’s not only the impact on ground-nesting birds, but dogs roaming free can disturb other wildlife including amphibians and mammals, as well as grazing livestock. Please stick to the Countryside Code and walk your dog responsibly.”
The devastating impact of dogs that have not been properly controlled by their owners has also been highlighted.
According to the owner of Bingley and Burley Moor in Bradford local residents are aware of at least three sheep that have died recently due to “people not keeping their dogs under control”.
Bingley and Burley Moor said in a statement:
“The distress and exhaustion from being chased can cause pregnant animals to miscarry or die, even if a dog does not make any contact with livestock.
“Young lambs can also become separated from their mothers which can lead to them becoming orphaned. We are urging anyone walking in the countryside to not ignore the signs and follow the Countryside Code”
