The Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) has called on all dog-walkers to keep their pets on short leads on the moors and near farm animals during the breeding season from March until the end of July.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW) requires people using open access land to keep their dogs on a fixed lead of no more than 2 metres between 1 March and 31 July, which is the main breeding season for birds such as curlew and lapwing, and at all other times in the vicinity of livestock. Owners of grouse moors and lambing enclosures also have special powers to exclude dogs so please respect any signs you may come across.

The PDNPA have asked that dog walkers also keep their pets under close control when using public paths. Over the last few years a number of reports have emerged of dogs being kicked and trampled by livestock and owners who have been injured by cattle that are protecting their young. The advice to all dog walkers is that in the event of being chased by livestock, it is safer to let your dog off the lead and to remove yourself from the field.

For more information of what to do and where to go in the countryside visit the Countryside Access website, or for information in Wales visit the Countryside Council for Wales.

If anyone needs to report worrying or suspicious behaviour involving dogs on farmland or moors they should contact the police on 0845 123 33 33 or in the Peak District, the National Park rangers on 01433 670216 (weekends) or 01629 816290 (weekdays).

« Back