Dogs on leads

[stevecurtis]

We have local common near by and there is a sign stating the law that dogs must be kept on leads during the birds nesting season ,the common is regularly full of dogs of leads is this law ever enforced who is responsible, when I was a child the common was full of nesting birds and a great place for a picnic but not anymore.

steve

[Deb London]

Interesting question and one to which I'd like to know the answer. The effects of the disturbance by dogs on birds seem to be quite serious:
How man’s best friend becomes birds’ worst enemy on that walk - Times Online

[Moonmoth]

I must say some Dog owners think they own the parks ! a small minority ignore the signs at Bushy park around the lakes . Having the new Dog free rules has transformed the Lakes and made it a fantastic tranquil place to watch Wildlife .The deer come to bathe without fear and the ducks and swans dabble quietly it really has changed the whole atmosphere of the place .

[Kayleigh]

We have a footpath going into a grazing cow field sometimes there are sheep in there it clearly states to keep dogs on leads I have seen dogs running free.
I have to keep mine on a lead as the thing don't come back..
But I would anyway where its states it.
How can laws be policed if there is no police to do it.

[healfdan]

Steve
This is my understanding of dog control enforcement.
If your common is owned and maintained by the local authority then any control orders should be enforced by their officers. They can set up, under Dog Control Orders, exclusion zones which are normally identified as sports fields, childrens play areas and other sites designated as dog free areas. If the land is not owned by a local authority but is maintained by the landowner then the responsibility for control is the landowners. There are commons owned and maintained by conservators whose job it is to preserve and protect the site. They too would be in a position to identify and regulate the use of lands set aside for sport, childrens play areas and sites of ecological interest,(the latter probably short term restrictions during the breeding season.) In the event of persistant offenders disregarding the instructions of the landowner then the police could be summoned to take action under the Bye-laws on behalf of the landowner. A landowner can also take out a private prosecution. The problem here is does the offence justify the time and expense required.
If a common is a designated site of interest such as SSSI, SAC etc then the landowner may be obliged under the terms of his/her contract to take all reasonable steps to preserve habitat and wildlife.
Healfdan

[stevecurtis]

I managed to find the law on the net here goes

By law, you must control your dog so that it does not scare or disturb farm animals or wildlife. On most areas of open country and common land, known as ‘access land’, you must keep your dog on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July – and all year round near farm animals.

why make laws that are not enforced.

steve

[ForestPaul]

Originally Posted by stevecurtis

why make laws that are not enforced.

How would you suggest that this is enforced ?

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by ForestPaul

How would you suggest that this is enforced ?

You could have special people employed full-time to enforce laws. They would need to be easily recognisable, so could be given a conspicuous uniform to wear. They would need a headquarters for them to co-ordinate their activities, but they shouldn't just sit around in their headquarters, but should patrol and check the areas where laws might be broken. They should also be give the power to take a law breaker back to their headquarters, for a decision to be made concerning their possible punishment.

These people are obviously going to be important enough to need a special name - any suggestions?

Jim

[ForestPaul]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

These people are obviously going to be important enough to need a special name - any suggestions?

Well, if their primary function is going to be patrolling commons and moorland looking for dogs not on leads they could be called, er, 'Doggers' ?

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by ForestPaul

Well, if their primary function is going to be patrolling commons and moorland looking for dogs not on leads they could be called, er, 'Doggers' ?

No, I was thinking more generally - tackling any law breaking in our cities, towns, villages and the countryside.

Jim