Dog walkers asked to help protect upland wildlife

Fri, 22 May 2020

Dog owners are reminded to keep their dogs on leads at all times whilst visiting uplands to avoid disturbing endangered ground nesting birds and livestock.

At this time of year ground nesting birds are particularly vulnerable and can abandon their nest if disturbed.

The lambing season is also well underway and people are urged not to let their dogs run free and unnecessarily disturb livestock at this crucial time.

The recent mild weather combined with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions has led to an increase in people visiting the countryside to exercise, but has also led to numerous reports of dogs running freely in the uplands.

Under the Wildlife Act (WLA) 1990 it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb nesting birds and anyone found doing so could face a maximum fine of £10,000.

 

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