Keep your dog on lead, owners advised

Don’t forget to take your lead – that is the message to dog owners intending on taking their animals out to the open Denbighshire countryside.

With a settled spell of weather and the bank holiday weekend fast approaching, more and more people are expected to venture out into the stunning Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but they are asked to be responsible and follow the Countryside Code.

The appeal follows a spate of incidents on Moel Famau over recent weeks where dogs off their lead have worried grazing sheep livestock, injuring some of them.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for the Countryside, said: “We have become increasingly concerned at the number of incidents experienced lately.

“We have been running a campaign, Take the Lead,  encouraging people to make sure they keep their dogs on leads when they are out in the open countryside. Whilst the majority of people have listened to the message and act responsibly, there are some who simply allow their dogs to roam free without thinking of the consequences. It is to those individuals that we are targeting this message.

“They really must be mindful that they are crossing valuable grazing land where there are sheep roaming. The effects of attacks on animals can be devastating, to the animal and to the landowner.

David Shiel of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, said: “Over 300,000 visitors come to Moel Famau every year to enjoy the stunning scenery on offer. We want that to continue and for all visitors and landowners to be able to work side by side.

“Warning signs have been placed along the route to Moel Famau and we will continue publicising the Take the Lead campaign through the media and social media to encourage the minority of dog owners to change their behaviour and keep their dogs under control at all times."