Responsible Wokingham dog owners to take the lead
Dog walkers are being asked to keep pets on a lead or under close control while enjoying a stroll around the Wokingham borough’s countryside parks or nature reserves
An increase in the number of complaints about unruly dogs jumping up at people and causing park users to fear they may be attacked, has prompted Wokingham Borough Council’s countryside service to ask all dog walkers to be as responsible as possible when enjoying the numerous parks and nature reserves in the area.
Many of the complaints have been cases of dogs running around parks without close supervision. However, there have been reports of dogs being let off the lead and attacking other dogs as well as swans. One swan at Heathlake Nature Reserve in Crowthorne was attacked so badly it died from its injuries. No complaints about dogs attacking children or adults have been received.
Dog owners have a responsibility to take control of their pets and use leads where appropriate and close supervision at all times. Although popular with dog-walkers, the borough’s country parks and nature areas are for the whole community to enjoy, where everyone is welcome.
There is an even greater need for dog walkers to be as responsible as possible over the next few months as March 1 marks the start of bird nesting season, which runs until the end of July.
Nesting birds and their young are particularly vulnerable to disturbance from dogs, especially around lake edges at sites including Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst, California Country Park in Finchampstead, and Heathlake in Crowthorne.
Lucy Harris, Wokingham countryside ranger, said: “The vast majority of visitors with dogs to our country parks and nature reserves are very responsible owners. We are very fortunate to have more than 300 acres of wetlands and meadows in the borough, where dogs can be exercised, however dog owners must keep an eye on their pets at all times.
“We are particularly concerned this year as there have been two attacks on swans over the last few months. One of these was at Heathlake Nature Reserve, where a dog was off the lead and ran off from its owner and attacked the bird. Sadly it later died from its injuries.”
Cllr Simon Weeks, executive member for Wokingham environment, added: “The last thing we want to do is discourage any dog walkers from using our parks. They are a great place for exercising pets, but we do want people taking their dog for a walk to act responsibly, so everyone can enjoy our parks and open spaces.
“It’s extremely sad that one of our swans died following a dog attack, but these attacks are rare. To make sure it doesn’t happen again and that our parks remain a safe and enjoyable place for all adults, children and wildlife I’d urge all dog walkers to keep their dogs on a lead or under close supervision.”
Wild birds and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird. It is also an offence to take, damage or destroy their nest (while being built or in use) or eggs.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, states that anyone unable to keep a dog under proper control, especially in a public place, could face a fine of up to £5,000 or be sent to prison for up to six months.
An increase in the number of complaints about unruly dogs jumping up at people and causing park users to fear they may be attacked, has prompted Wokingham Borough Council’s countryside service to ask all dog walkers to be as responsible as possible when enjoying the numerous parks and nature reserves in the area.
Many of the complaints have been cases of dogs running around parks without close supervision. However, there have been reports of dogs being let off the lead and attacking other dogs as well as swans. One swan at Heathlake Nature Reserve in Crowthorne was attacked so badly it died from its injuries. No complaints about dogs attacking children or adults have been received.
Dog owners have a responsibility to take control of their pets and use leads where appropriate and close supervision at all times. Although popular with dog-walkers, the borough’s country parks and nature areas are for the whole community to enjoy, where everyone is welcome.
There is an even greater need for dog walkers to be as responsible as possible over the next few months as March 1 marks the start of bird nesting season, which runs until the end of July.
Nesting birds and their young are particularly vulnerable to disturbance from dogs, especially around lake edges at sites including Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst, California Country Park in Finchampstead, and Heathlake in Crowthorne.
Lucy Harris, Wokingham countryside ranger, said: “The vast majority of visitors with dogs to our country parks and nature reserves are very responsible owners. We are very fortunate to have more than 300 acres of wetlands and meadows in the borough, where dogs can be exercised, however dog owners must keep an eye on their pets at all times.
“We are particularly concerned this year as there have been two attacks on swans over the last few months. One of these was at Heathlake Nature Reserve, where a dog was off the lead and ran off from its owner and attacked the bird. Sadly it later died from its injuries.”
Cllr Simon Weeks, executive member for Wokingham environment, added: “The last thing we want to do is discourage any dog walkers from using our parks. They are a great place for exercising pets, but we do want people taking their dog for a walk to act responsibly, so everyone can enjoy our parks and open spaces.
“It’s extremely sad that one of our swans died following a dog attack, but these attacks are rare. To make sure it doesn’t happen again and that our parks remain a safe and enjoyable place for all adults, children and wildlife I’d urge all dog walkers to keep their dogs on a lead or under close supervision.”
Wild birds and their nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild bird. It is also an offence to take, damage or destroy their nest (while being built or in use) or eggs.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, states that anyone unable to keep a dog under proper control, especially in a public place, could face a fine of up to £5,000 or be sent to prison for up to six months.
Wokingham Borough Council
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