Reminder for dog owners visiting the countryside

Dog owners are being reminded to act responsibly and keep their pets on leads when walking through the countryside.

Denbighshire County Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB are issuing the advice as lambing season continues.

Dog owners can be prosecuted if their pet disturbs or chases a sheep.

Huw Rees, the Council’s Countryside and Heritage Services Manager, said: “The vast majority of dog owners respect the countryside when walking their pets and I would like to thank them for their efforts.

“We are reminding all dog owners, including those who have a dog for the first time, to be responsible with their pets and to keep them on leads when walking through the countryside with livestock, particularly during lambing season. 

“Livestock worrying, where dogs disturb and chase sheep, is illegal.  Owners can be prosecuted and dogs can be legally shot in the act of worrying sheep, this is a distressing outcome we want to prevent.

“The AONB and the Council have been working with North Wales Police Rural Crime Team for a number of years to help educate dog owners on their responsibilities.

“We urge owners to please plan ahead on your visit to the countryside, respect the countryside code and always use a lead when taking your dog out for a walk.”

You can find more information at https://naturalresources.wales/days-out/the-countryside-codes/the-dog-walking-code/?lang=en