The COVID effect
QWith so many people planning to holiday in the UK this year, do you think there will be implications for dog owners in terms of access to beaches and other parts of the countryside?
Sylvia Hallam, North Yorkshire.
Stephen says: For sure countryside access will be different for a long time to come, but I don’t think it will all be bad news.
Indeed in my ‘Reasons to be cheerful’ feature (Your Dog,
September 2020) I highlighted how COVID has shown how vital daily dog walking is for the nation’s physical and mental well-being. Natural England’s coast path project has continued throughout COVID, giving, for the first time, a right of access to the nation’s coastline, cliff tops, and beaches (www.nationaltrail.co.uk).
Quite rightly there have been concerns about the minority of dog walkers who don’t pick up after their pets, or allow them to cause problems for other people, wildlife, or farm animals. In response, this Easter an updated Countryside Code was unveiled in England and Wales to help people know where they can go and what they can do.
Unlawful ‘no dogs’ signs have been erected, in some cases shamefully and illegally banning disabled people with assistance dogs from paths and beaches. Some unofficial ‘on lead’ restrictions have also been imposed that go far beyond what’s needed to protect wildlife and farm animals at sensitive times and places.
While some restrictions can be lawful and well-founded, not all of them are, so if you see new signs about additional restrictions, do ask the local council if they are lawful.
If you encounter problems, email kcdog@thekennel club.org.uk