Jim Wright wrote:
<snip> What is the legal position? Is the advice to dog owners advisory only or is there a by-law
<snip>
That's why I believe the RSPB needs to spell out the message loud and clear (but politely) on new/refreshed signage.
Hi Jim etal.
Fortunately a dog doesn't even have to bite you, or draw blood for the owner to be guilty of an offence.
As volunteer warden at Tetney RSPB, I had an occasion when I found a very distressed teenage girl on Tetney Marshes, having been attacked and really frightened by a dog.
After reassuring the young Lady I found and spoke to the dog owner about the attack, who frankly didn't care.
So I informed Pete at RSPB. Then informed the dog owners that I was taking their car reg. & phoning the police.
The girl wasn't mutilated but more by luck than the sound judgement of the dogs owner. Linc's police went to see the dog owner & took action. The young lady is thankfully OK and still visits the reserve today.
Linc's Chief of Police even called me at home to thank RSPB for caring & reporting the attack and assured me they always take such events seriously.
Last but not least Jim. The notices are renewed as often as, if/when the signs have been defaced or sign posts have been thrown into the sea.
NB: All dog owners aren't bad people, just the irresponsibile ones and RSPB 'always' speak to all dog walkers politely, despite the verbal abuse we often recieve.
Good birding all.
Login
FAQ
Search
