CRT dog walking policy

Purpose   

The objective of this policy is to establish guidelines and expectations for dog walkers using footpaths, bridleways, and permissive pathways that cross land owned by the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT).  

Scope  

This policy applies to all members of the public, who walk dogs on footpaths, bridleways, and permissive pathways on land belonging to the CRT, or attend private events held on CRT land.  

Policy  

The CRT respects the rights under UK law of people to walk their dogs in the countryside along footpaths and bridleways and fully recognises the benefits and enjoyment this brings to dog owners and their dogs. We strongly advocate for responsible dog walking, especially near livestock, wildlife, crops, including grass, sensitive natural habitats and farm machinery. Dog walkers and their dogs must adhere to designated footpaths and respect any signage or instructions provided by the CRT.  Assistance dogs are most welcome by the CRT.  

On permissive pathways, which the CRT has voluntarily opened to the public, the CRT maintains full control. We allow the same rules as on public rights of way. However, specific rules may be in place during certain times and locations. For example, dogs may need to be on a lead during ground nesting season in certain areas.  

Livestock worrying  

Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks or chases livestock on agricultural land or is at large in a field, which can result in significant injury or suffering to livestock and in the worst cases, death of the animals involved. This has devastating consequences for livestock keepers, causing personal distress as well as significant financial costs.  

The Government has recently increased the scope of livestock worrying under the Kept Animals Bill , giving new powers to the police to provide greater protection to livestock from dangerous and out of control dogs.   

The CRT requires dogs are always kept under control to prevent interference with livestock, crops, property, wildlife, or other members of the public. It is a legal requirement to keep your dog on a lead of no more than two metres long at all times around livestock and between March 1st and July 31st, you must have your dog on a lead on Open Access land, even if there is no visible livestock.   

If a CRT staff member becomes aware of a dog that is not under control, we reserve our right to request the dog is immediately put on a lead and can contact the police.  

Multiple dog walking  

The CRT requests that dog walkers with more than one dog, or commercial dog walkers, keep all their dogs on a lead on footpaths, bridleways, and permissive pathways that cross land owned by the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT).  

The CRT is aware that dog owners often use long leads. However, please be aware you need to keep your dog under close control to prevent it causing stress to livestock and wildlife, even if on a lead.  

Public events  

In the interest of public safety, dogs are not permitted at organised public events that take place on CRT land, unless otherwise stated for a specific event but, if requested in advance, dogs may be permitted at a private event. For example, a private expert-lead walk. If permitted, all dogs must be kept on a lead, and it is the responsibility of the private event organiser to inform their group that dogs will be present.  

Dogs and wildlife 

Dogs must not stray from the public footpath and into private areas the CRT has left for nature, or where crops are grown. Some of these areas may be directly adjacent to a footpath. Many areas of CRT land are used by birds, including ground nesting species, such as grey partridge and lapwing, and even accidental encounters with dogs can cause stress, especially at breeding time.   

Interaction between dogs and wildlife must always be avoided. Mammals, such as brown hares, badgers, foxes, deer, water voles, and otters are also known to use the habitat provided on CRT land. It is important to keep your dog under control because even if your pet is not directly attacking wildlife, it is still seen as a threat. The instinct of wildlife is then to avoid an area where dogs are running around, and it causes stress and changes in behaviour.  

The CRT requests dog owners avoid allowing their animals to jump into water on or near CRT land. This is because neonicotinoid flea treatment is a threat to aquatic wildlife. The chemicals have been banned in agriculture for use on crops as they impact bees and other pollinating insects. However, they are widely sold as pet parasiticides. Studies have shown the chemicals are present in water courses in the UK in concentrations known to harm aquatic life, which could damage the wide ecosystem.  

Dog owners’ Responsibility  

Dog walkers are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs. Waste must be bagged and removed - please do not dispose of dog waste on CRT land or leave it behind in grassland.  Grazing cattle are at risk of Neospora, which causes them to abort, and can be passed on through dog faeces. We also work to enhance our grassland with wildflowers, which do not like nutrient enrichment from dog faeces.   

At all times, follow the Countryside Code and remember that is against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control in a public place.   

Review 

This policy is reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changes in regulations, best practices, or land management considerations.