In spring, it’s crucial to keep dogs on leads, especially in areas with wildlife, to protect both the animals and the dogs. This is particularly important during the nesting season of ground-nesting birds, when dogs can unknowingly disturb nests or injure the young. The law requires dogs to be kept on a lead no longer than two meters on open access land between March 1st and July 31st to protect ground-nesting birds.
In Calderdale, open access land is effectively all upland areas of moorland, heather moor and sheep grazing areas. Open Access land can easily be identified on Ordnance Survey maps, where is is shaded (details in map key).
Here’s why keeping dogs on leads in spring is important:
Protecting ground-nesting birds:
Free-roaming dogs can disturb birds’ nests, causing them to be abandoned or destroyed, leading to potential harm to the eggs or chicks. Calderdale is home to some of the UK’s rarest breeding birds (including the critically endangered lapwing, pictured), many of which nest on the ground. although you may not have seen or heard them (they are masters of concealment), your dog’s presence can be extremely damaging to the chances of successful nesting. Dogs are also extremely good at finding birds and other small animals by sense of smell. You may be completely unaware that your dog has killed and eaten a small bird or its eggs.
Avoiding stress for wildlife:
Disturbing wild animals, especially during breeding season, can lead to stress and potentially cause mothers to abandon their young.
Preventing harm to livestock:
Dogs can chase or attack livestock, especially during lambing season, which can be very stressful and potentially dangerous for the animals.
Legal obligations:
The law requires dogs to be on a lead no longer than two meters on open access land between March 1st and July 31st.
Responsible dog ownership:
Keeping dogs on leads is a responsible way to protect wildlife and ensure a safe environment for everyone.
When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and keep your dog on a lead, especially in areas where you are unsure of the presence of wildlife or livestock. If you want to exercise your dog off a lead, please choose an approved area for this period.
