‘Responsible dog owners always welcome’ says National Park as lambing season nears peak

‘Responsible dog owners always welcome’ says National Park as lambing season nears peak - North York Moors National Park Authority

People with dogs on lead on path at Dundale - photo by Mike Kipling

Dog owners are among the many millions of visitors who flock to the North York Moors National Park every year, but as the lambing season reaches its peak, the National Park Authority is reminding dog owners of their responsibilities.

Livestock worrying can have devastating consequences for farm animals and their owners, as well as other wildlife. Dog attacks on animals, especially sheep, can result in the loss of unborn lambs, serious injury and death. Often, the stress of being chased by a dog is enough to kill a sheep and flocks have been known to severely injure themselves while trying to escape an attack.

There are also serious consequences for owners of dogs who have been found worrying livestock. You may end up being sued for compensation and, in some circumstances; farmers are legally entitled to shoot dogs that are endangering their sheep.

The North York Moors National Park Authority wants dogs and their owners to be safe and happy while out and about, and so is urging all dog owners to be mindful of their actions.

Debbie Trafford, Head of Recreation and Ranger Services at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape with 26 miles of incredible coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, but it is also a working landscape that supports over 1,000 farmers. It is therefore vital that dog owners are careful and protect both their pets and the livestock who live here. Look out for sheep when walking your dog, and always put your dog on a lead when there may be sheep nearby. Responsible dog owners are always welcome in the National Park, but even the gentlest family dog can harm sheep if running loose.”