Quantock Hills Blog
Sheep worrying can be deadly
- Andy highlights the importance of keeping your dog under close control
Posted by Andy Harris on 09 January 2012
Just before New Year a young ram was severely mauled by a dog somewhere near Staple Plain. Its injuries were so extreme that it had to be put down. Over the years I’ve dealt with many cases of sheep worrying and it’s extremely frustrating as every single case is avoidable.
In a little under two months the first of the hill lambs will start to be born so it is vitally important that the ewes are not disturbed and that dogs are kept well away from the flocks during this crucial time of year.
I’m a dog owner myself and I’ve always got leads, the dogs are always under close control and if I have any doubt they’re straight back on a lead. It is a criminal offence to allow your dog to worry livestock which also carries a £1000 fine plus a farmer or commoner is within their rights to shoot a dog that is worrying livestock, which no one wants.
Please remember if you’re walking within enclosed land or across Open Access Countryside between March and July your dog must be on a lead.
The vast majority of dog walkers I see on the hills take the issue of dog control very seriously but please can we all spread the word and lead by example so that we have no more repeat incidents. Thank you for your co-operation.
Stay in the loop
Annual Reports
View Annual reports from the Quantock AONB Service
AONB Planning Consultation Comments 2011
Please click below to read responses made by the AONB on behalf of the Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee
Information leaflets
Find out more about why the heathland is so important for birds, the red deer on the Quantocks and why the history of the landscape is so special.
Management Plan
The Quantock Hills AONB Management Plan 2009-2014 and Management Plan Summary
Newsletters
If you would like to subscribe to the Quantock Hills e-newsletter please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and we will put you on our mailing list
Other organisations and activities in the Quantocks
A few things you might find interesting from organisations we work with in the Quantocks
Planning Application Comments 2012
Find out how the Quantock Hills AONB Service commented on planning applications in 2012
Planning Guidance and Position Statements
Find our guidance documents and position statements here.
PREPARING FOR CHANGE
Climate-proof your tourism business
Quantock Deer Count Results
Annual deer count results for 2010, 2011and 2012
QUANTOCK ECO EVENTS PROGRAMME
Building Resilient Villages
Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) Papers
Papers from the partnership committee the Joint Advisory Committeeqhjac_papers_22nd_july_11.pdf
Quantock Hills Visitor Guide
Quantock Hills Visitor Guide
Recreation Leaflets
a full range of leaflets from circular walks to event guides and leaflets to allow you to enjoy the best of the hills
SCC disposal of land
Find out the Quantock Hills AONB Service position, and our response to SCC
Sustainable Development Fund forms
The SDF for 20011/12 has £45,000 to allocate. This will provide grants to organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals who wish to explore and develop practical projects that enhance, conserve and develop the environment, economy and way of life.
Tick Leaflet
Ticks are becoming more common and a bite from this spider-like parasite could lead to Lyme Disease. This is a treatable infection caused by bacterium transmitted by ticks when they bite. Not every tick carries Lyme Disease and it is important to realise that the disease is relatively rare.
Wild Places competition
Win a chance to create your own 'wild place'.
Information
Useful Contacts
Quantock AONB Service
Tel: 01823 451 884
Somerset Wildlife Trust
Tel: 01823 652 400
www.somersetwildlife.org
National Trust
Tel: 01823 451 814
www.nationaltrust.org
Forestry Commission
Tel: 01278 732 319
Comments in chronological order (Total 2 comments)
Add your comment