WRCED Dog Policy

WRCED DOG POLICY

Our aim at WRCED is to allow everyone to enjoy walking in a friendly group; that welcome extends to dog owners who might wish to bring their dog on our walks, although the walk host has discretion in this matter. The blanket exception is Registered Assistance Dogs which must always be welcomed.

However, we ask that owners be mindful of the group as a whole and take care to ensure that their dog is not a trip hazard or a nuisance to others.

We ask that dogs are kept under effective control, on a short lead, and do not cause disturbance to other path users, wildlife, horses or farm animals. You must prevent your dog from approaching horse riders, runners, cyclists, or other people and their dogs uninvited.

Some walks will be more suitable for dogs than others. We suggest that if you are in any doubt, please contact the host in advance to check the walk's suitability. If you plan to take dogs, you must post in the event comments so all attendees are aware of your intentions.

On all walks, we ask that dog owners comply with any instructions from the walk host. If the host feels the owner is not complying with their reasonable requirements, then the owner and dog could be excluded from the walk at any point.

Never let your dog worry or chase wildlife or livestock. Follow advice on local signs to reduce disturbance to plants and animals.

Stay SAFE around farm animals and horses:

• Stop, look and listen before entering a field; be aware of any animals present.

• Always keep your dog on a short lead.

• Find the safest route around animals, giving them plenty of space and using paths or access land where possible. On certain areas of access land, dogs are not permitted at any time.

• Exit the area calmly and quickly if threatened, releasing your dog to make it easier for you both to reach safety.

Always bag and bin your dog's poo wherever you are. You can use any public waste bin or your bin at home. Never leave bags of dog poo lying around, even if you intend to pick them up later. Containers and deodorised bags can make them easier to carry.

Ensure your details are on your dog's collar and it is microchipped, so you can be reunited quickly if it is lost.

We advise that dog owners have third-party liability insurance (this can be included as part of your pet insurance policy) should someone decide to take civil action against you in the event that your dog injures someone, injures another dog or animal, or damages someone else's belongings or property. WRCED will not be held liable in this instance.

[www.wrced.org/policies/dogs - August2024]