Planned forestry sale could jeopardise dog walking routes

Wed, 02 Feb 2011

With plans afoot to sell various forest areas to private buyers, The Kennel Club has voiced concerns that dog walkers will face increasing restrictions in the countryside.

A large percentage of Forestry Commission land has been pinpointed for sale by the Government as the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs launches a public consultation to consider its future.

The Kennel Club’s KC Dog group campaigns for dogs and their owners to have access to open spaces in the UK. Presently, Forestry Commission land is one of the few places where off-lead exercise for dogs is encouraged and is not subject to dog control orders under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.

Commenting on the Government’s plans, Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Communications Director, said: "The privatisation of England’s forests poses a real threat to dog owners across the country. The ability to freely exercise your dog in a safe open space is an essential part of promoting a dog’s health and welfare. The implementation of these proposals will put this at risk and therefore have a devastating impact upon the nation’s dog walkers and their dogs."

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