| The new right of access was introduced in Wales | | | | which have just given birth, and it is important to |
| on 31st May last year. Owing to a great deal of | | | | remember that even a normally well behaved dog |
| good will and the long tradition of walking in the | | | | can cause enough stress and disturbance to kill |
| uplands, the new legislation has been brought in | | | | both sheep and lambs. |
| fairly smoothly in Snowdonia. Cattle and sheep | | | | We are also concerned that dog owners may not |
| graze most of the country, which was mapped | | | | be aware of the danger which cattle can pose, |
| and made available for walking. Snowdonia National | | | | particularly when they have calves at foot. Dogs |
| Park Authority is reminding walkers who are also | | | | can arouse protective instincts in cattle, and we |
| dog owners to make sure that their dogs are | | | | strongly advise members of the public, when |
| under control at all times. | | | | accompanied by dogs, to avoid cattle whenever |
| The Act states that from 1st March to the 31 | | | | possible. If pursued, they should release the dog's |
| July, dogs must be on fixed leads, no longer than | | | | lead, and concentrate on their own safety. |
| 2 metres. This is to avoid disturbance to nesting | | | | We wish to ensure that everyone will enjoy their |
| birds. The law also states that dogs should be on | | | | experience in the countryside, but in helping us to |
| a fixed lead, no longer than 2 metres, all year | | | | achieve this, all we're asking is for everyone to |
| round when "in the vicinity of livestock", which the | | | | respect the countryside and to behave |
| Authority has interpreted to mean most of the | | | | responsibly." |
| uplands in Snowdonia. | | | | Guidance on how to enjoy and help look after the |
| Barbara Jones, Snowdonia National Park | | | | countryside with your dog can be found in the |
| Authority's Head of Warden and Access service, | | | | "You and Your Dog in the Countryside" leaflet |
| said that it was very important that dog owners | | | | produced by CCW which can be obtained from |
| were made aware of this condition before walking | | | | Snowdonia National Park Information Centres at |
| on "Open Country": | | | | Betws y Coed, Beddgelert, Blaenau Ffestiniog, |
| "Unfortunately, dogs do a great deal of damage, | | | | Dolgellau, Aberdyfi or Harlech. |
| particularly to sheep which are heavily pregnant or | | | | |