The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, is appealing for dog owners to keep close control of their dogs while out and about over the holiday period.
Defra reported this month that 1.51 billion visits to the English countryside in 2015 included those walking with a dog. This accounts for 48% of total interactions with the countryside over the course of the year.
As 2015 draws to a close, the CLA is urging dog walkers to follow the Dog Walking Code to ensure that incidents of damage and on-farm accidents involving dogs are kept to a minimum as people use their free time over the holiday to enjoy walks with their pets.
CLA President Ross Murray said: “Country walks are a festive tradition for many but can cause irreparable harm if not conducted responsibly. I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the countryside over Christmas, but it is vital that dog owners understand their responsibilities when walking their dogs on farms.
“That means knowing where you are permitted to walk your dog but also keeping dogs on leads around livestock, making sure that dogs are under close control at all times, and cleaning up after them.
“Sheep and livestock worrying by dogs can have a disastrous effect for farmers and dogs disturbing or chasing wildlife can also both harm the animals and jeopardise conservation schemes which help to protect vulnerable plants and wildlife.
“It may look to the dog owner as if their pet is just having harmless fun, but any damage caused can have a big impact on farmers and landowners and can be a real headache for others enjoying the countryside.”
The Dog Walking Code is an initiative by countryside stakeholder groups including Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Kennel Club, the CLA, and others. You can read the code
