Bid to curb 'animosity' towards dogs on moors (From Gazette & Herald)

Bid to curb 'animosity' towards dogs on moors

CALLS for a better deal for pet dogs on the North York Moors have been made by the Moors' Association.

At present, it says, "it is virtually impossible for a dog owner to find any welcoming noises at all for their pets, except perhaps an occasional B&B proprietor who sees a ready demand for dog-friendly accommodation."

The association's 'Sundew' column in the latest edition of its magazine Voice of the Moors adds: "There are many sound reasons why non-dog owners take such a dislike towards dogs. They can be smelly, dirty, often noisy and can spoil a walk or quiet time in the country. They can be very disruptive of wildlife if not properly controlled, particularly at vulnerable seasons such as nesting and lambing times. Nowhere is this animosity more marked than on the moors or in game-rearing areas."

The answer, says the association, is for positive provision to be made by the national park authority and other local authorities in the area. "All that is needed is a few acres of land on which the owner would permit access by dogs, preferably including a free run area and a car parking area with waste disposal facilities. Many dog owners would be prepared to make a small payment on a daily or seasonal basis."

Some dog owners travel 20 to 30 miles to give their pet a good run.

"One great advantage of positive provision is that it would enable owners, agents and wardens of land where dogs do cause problems to suggest alternatives to dog owners and not present an entirely negative attitude, which is often so much resented."

Visitors in general are not made to feel particularly welcome, says the Sundew author. "Other than the people owning or running businesses who depend on them, visitors are at best tolerated and sometimes made very unwelcome and their dogs are at the top of the scale of dislike. Visitors do, in fact, provide the income for the rural economy to function, both in spending money in the area and in supporting farming in their taxes."

The writer concedes: "It could be argued that we should be much stricter in allowing ownership of dogs, perhaps requiring not only a system of licensing but also evidence of proper training. But what would be the sanctions and who can imagine a Government who would be brave, or foolhardy enough to bring in such controls?"

The association's comments come just days after news that dogs are to be banned from parts of Dartmoor National Park to protect delicate wildlife habitats.

Updated: 11:00 Wednesday, June 01, 2005