Residents and visitors to Northumberland are being urged to keep their pets under control to protect both wild animals and livestock. Northumberland County Council has issued the plea, with more people expected to head into the countryside to enjoy the landscape.
Responsible dog walking urged
The local authority say responsible dog walking will help to protect wildlife, support farmers and keep dogs safe. Dog owners are asked to be particularly cautious during lambing and calving seasons.
Coun Mark Mather is the county councillor for Wooler and a farmer. He explained how allowing dogs off-lead near livestock can have devastating consequences all round.
He said: "No farmer wants to shoot a dog, but the impact dogs can have on sheep is quite devastating. Nobody wants to see animals ripped apart."
"It's about protecting livestock and you and your dog. It's something you just need to prevent."
Serious consequences for dogs and people
"With cows, we have seen fatalities in the past when dogs have upset cattle and people try to protect their dog and end up hurt or killed. That's how serious it is.
"We just want people to enjoy our countryside. It's not far off tupping season and that's very important for farmers' finances - that's our future."
"Sheep are expensive at the minute - gimmers (a female sheep who has not yet given birth to her first lamb) are £300 a head. It's also the unseen impact - if you have pregnant ewes, you might lose lambs and farmers rely on that as our income."
Council's advice for dog walkers
The council is encouraging all dog walkers to:
- Keep dogs on leads in public spaces where required, or where signs ask to do so.
- Avoid entering private farmland unless clearly marked public footpaths are present.
- Be especially cautious during lambing and calving seasons.
- Clean up after your dog to keep the countryside pleasant for everyone.
The appeal forms part of the Council's annual "Love It Like It's Yours" campaign, which promotes "simple actions" that help everyone enjoy Northumberland's natural environment while "respecting the people, wildlife and working landscapes that make the county so special".
Cabinet member's comments
Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Environment and Rural at Northumberland County Council, said: "Northumberland is a fantastic place for dog owners, with miles of stunning countryside, coastal routes and open spaces which cost nothing to explore with our four-legged companions. We want people and their pets to enjoy everything the county has to offer throughout the summer.
"However, even the most well-behaved dogs can unintentionally cause problems if they are allowed to roam freely. Wildlife can be disturbed, livestock can become stressed, and dogs can quickly find themselves in dangerous situations around farm animals, machinery or unfamiliar terrain."
"The Love It Like It's Yours campaign encourages everyone to take a responsible approach when visiting the countryside. By keeping dogs under control, staying on designated public paths, and cleaning up after pets, visitors can help protect nature, support local farmers and ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for all."
