15/02/2011 Open areas at risk

Last Article | News For February 2011 | Next Article

The proposed sale of forests in England has caused some concern amongst dog owners. The Kennel Club has also voiced its concerns that by selling off England’s forests, dog walkers are more likely to face walking restrictions throughout the countryside if private buyers impose new free roaming rules. There is also the added concern that dog owners will be forced to walk their dogs on farm land and wildlife areas unsuitable for dog walkers and that the dog owners would be victim to unregulated parking fees.

DEFRA has launched a public consultation to consider the future of Forestry Commission land. Some areas of land being considered for sale by the Government remain some of the few open areas where a dog can be exercised by its owners; these areas are not subject to dog control orders under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. The Kennel Club along with the Forestry Commission agreed to work alongside to improve human health and well being through dog ownership. The Kennel Club has asked dog owners to contact DEFRA before April 21st to voice their concerns, people can write to - Public Forest Estate Consultation Co-Ordinator, Forestry Commission England, 620 Bristol Business Park, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1EJ.

Next Article: Dog orders to be trialed in Liverpool
Last Article: Dog detects cancer by smell
This Month: News For February 2011