Are you a responsible dog walker?
Simon Lee, Chief Executive commented “One of the biggest issues our staff have is balancing the differing needs of visitors to the Commons. Responsible dog control has become a significant issue and we have launched our campaign to raise awareness so that all visitors can enjoy their visit here and the wildlife that live here are safe”.
With an increasing number of complaints from visitors about the amount of dog-waste; horses spooked and children having food snatched from their hands by dogs, something needed to be done.
Earlier in the year the Commons launched a “Responsible Dog-walker” campaign focusing on three main issues:
- Do you pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste appropriately?
- Do you keep your dog in sight and under control?
- Do you walk no more than four dogs in any one group of people?
Dog waste not only carries the potential harmful Ocular Toxocariasis that can cause blindness in humans, it is also full of detrimental nutrients affecting the nutrient status of the soil and potentially damaging the rare heathland habitats.
The questions are designed to encourage people to stop and think – not everyone who comes to the Commons is a lover of dogs, some people are genuinely afraid of dogs, particularly if they are in a large group. If you are confident your dog is always under proper control, that you always pick up after your dog and don’t walk more than four dogs in anyone group, you can walk on proudly. If not, take a few seconds to consider the impact your dog might be having on someone else’s visit, to the wildlife that live on the Commons and help ensure that everyone’s visit is enjoyable.
Do take the time to talk to our Mounted Keepers, they’d be delighted to stop and chat about this campaign, and any other queries you may have.
- T: 020 8788 7655
- E: rangersoffice@wpcc.org.uk
- wpcc.org.uk
