DOG owners are being asked by Dartmoor National Park Authority and the police to keep their dogs on leads around the moor during this sensitive season of lambing and calving. During this time ewes and cows are particularly vulnerable. A frightened animal may abort or abandon its young. Many people exercise their dogs when enjoying Dartmoor, and although a dog may not be actively chasing livestock, its presence can still cause disturbance. Cherry Seage, secretary for the Dartmoor Commoners? Council, said: ?The public enjoy the right of walking on the moor but with this privilege comes responsibility not to disturb or cause damage to livestock or wildlife.? By law, dogs should not scare, worry or disturb farm animals or wildlife. On most areas of open country and common land, dog owners should keep their dogs on a short lead between March 1 and July 31 plus all year round near farm animals.
