Advice For Dog Walkers and Owners
While people are currently spending more time at home and many are using their daily exercise to go out walking, we are asking communities to please be mindful about where they go.
There have been a number of concerns raised by local farmers and landowners recently about people trespassing onto land and leaving gates open, or dog walkers not keeping their dogs under control and leaving dog mess behind.
Sadly there have also been a number of incidents where lambs and ewes have been chased and killed after being worried by dogs.
- Please remember to abide by the government guidelines on essential travel.
- Always close gates after you have opened them. As numerous people may be touching the same gates, latches and stiles, take precautions where you can and be considerate, to reduce any risks as much as possible.
- Always stick to public right of ways and do not go onto private farmland without permission.
Rural Crime Officer Carol Cotterill said: “We do understand people are at home a lot more at the moment, and many of us like to take their daily exercise in the open countryside if it is right on their doorsteps.
“We would just ask everyone to please be mindful of their surroundings and to be responsible. By being considerate and reducing risks at this difficult time, it will make a difference and will help to support our farmers who are working extremely hard to keep shops supplied.
“Thank you in anticipation for your support on this. Remember to wash your hands when you return home, to abide by the government guidelines and to stay safe.”
NFU Warwickshire county adviser George Bostock said: “Farmers recognise the importance of the public rights of way network, especially at a time like this when people need to take extra care to maintain their physical and mental health, however, they should not be making unnecessary journeys.