As the days lengthen and more of us are getting out into the countryside, people are being reminded to keep their dogs under control around livestock.
With lambing season well underway, and ewes and lambs a common sight in fields across Wales, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths and Rural and Wildlife Crime Coordinator Rob Taylor want to ensure dog owners understand their responsibilities.
There continues to be too many dog attacks on sheep and other livestock which have emotional, financial and animal welfare implications.
Research has found most incidents involving dogs attacking sheep take place on land not accessible to the public.
Dog owners should familiarise themselves with Natural Resources Wales’ Countryside Code. This includes:
- keeping dogs on a lead or in sight and owners should be confident they will return on command
- dogs should not stray from the path or area where there is a right of access
- on open access land, dogs must be on a lead between 1 March and 31 July, even if there are no livestock present. This is a legal requirement.
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