Hi jo
I couldn't make it either, my pup was a bit quiet and I was concerned (she's fine now!) and Des who works todeadlines wasn't home til gone 8pm.
I heard a few things: Nearly 2000 attended, most couldn't get in so had tohave a separate hearing outside later!!!
lots of media were present, the objectives of themeeting were 1) to highlight /protest about dogs on leads due to f and mouth although all disinfectant mats are now gone and Forest is officially "open"
2) to highlight /protest about th ForestryCommissin move to iintroduce a 5 months of the year "dogs on short leads only" during the nesting season, and a year round one in the presence of livestock (most of the Forest!!!)
3) To seeka mandate from dog owners to forma lobblying group to meet these aims.
Speakers included a local solicitor, a ve, ornithjologist, and Countryside Agency and Forestry Commission.
The anomalies between the F and M precautons and the current MAFF guidelines wer highlighted; the FC dodged much of this issue skilfully.However apparetnly when there are no new cases of F and M south o fthe M4 for 28 days they woudl lift the restrictions and revert to thehistorically normal situatin of having dogs under control. At the moment they are onday 14.
Interestngly, for those not directly connected wihtthe Forest, the representative of teh jFC did say that the CROW act applies nationally and the FC will be looking at all its land - so anyone concerned should check the status of their particular area. (The CROW 2000 act is the right to roam - it is under its auspices that the FC want to introduce dogs on short leads all year and, the 5 month ban.
Many opinions were given and a Dog Owners Code suggested; the invited ornithologist explained that it is poeple and children, not dogs, that cause most trouble wihtnesting birds. He suggested that key areas could be closed to all users to allow the successful breeding of the birds in question. (I have to say I feel this is an excellent idea.)
Apparently feelings ranvery high, but a universal mandate was given to NF Dog Owners Group to take views forward and lobby hard to ensure that dogs cancontinue to have off-oead walks.
It is a big concern as of course the CROW act applies nationally. Anywhere FC could be at risk in this sense.
For many years now I have been a very regular walker withdogs in the Forest, all dog owners I have met witha few rare exceptins are responsible and also care about wildlife/livestock. most dogs regularlywalked would not dreamof hurtinglivestock and of course the F andM will not be here forever .
I have to say I amworried and will be joining NFDOG as the thought of not walking freely in the forest is unbearable. Also it is grossly unfair that dog owners are being targeted and not people or walkers generally!
Hope this answers your queries Jo,
Best wihses
Lindsay
Very many thanks for your compehensive reply, Lindsay. Very much appreciated. I wonder if anybody mentioned that crows, magpies and other corvids, to say nothing of other predators (weasels, dare I say foxes) are a much greater threat than dogs have ever been, and these have always been with us; the birds have survived regardless.
I do agree that there may be a good case for individual protection of endangered species.
In flippant mood - did anyone mention the increased cost to the NHS for treatment of frozen shoulder due to repetitive strain injury caused by dogs on leads? Not really joking - it happened to me during F&M
Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats
Hi Jo
Good point about th other predators, I am not sure if it was mentioned but I will check later when I have joined the grooup.(!)
Good point too about the increased cost to the NHS (LOL) ! not fun for you Jo, if it happened to every dog walker, well ...
Best wihses
Lindsay
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