Safety when walking your dog

Picture from http://customcaninecare.co.uk/category/walking-a-dog/

Well the dark winter’s nights are now definitely in full swing, resulting in many of us leaving for work in the dark, and getting home in the dark, and then the prospect of taking our dogs for walks in the dark. This brings about the need to be extra cautious and in some cases vigilant when out walking our canine companions.

Walking without paths

Many people still do not realise what direction they should be walking when there are no paths about, so to clear up any confusion here is the relevant part of the Highway Code (which applies to pedestrians as well as motorists):-

2. If there is no pavement, keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic. You should take extra care and be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light keep close to the side of the road. It may be safer to cross the road well before a sharp right-hand bend so that oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you. Cross back after the bend.

3. Help other road users to see you. Wear or carry something light-coloured, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective materials (e.g. armbands, sashes, waistcoats, jackets, footwear), which can be seen by drivers using headlights up to three times as far away as non-reflective materials.

56. Dogs. Do not let a dog out on the road on its own. Keep it on a short lead when walking on the pavement, road or path shared with cyclists or horse riders.

57. When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.

You can download a full copy of the highway code here:-http://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/uploads/3/2/9/2/3292309/the-official-highway-code-with-annexes-uk-en-12-04.pdf

Clothing

Many of us in the breckland area are taking our dogs out for walks along dimly or unlit paths and roadways. So it’s important to wear some form of bright reflective clothing, over the top of our generally dark clothing to help us stand out in the glare of headlights from passing vehicles.

Equipment

It’s also responsible dog ownership to have some form of reflective coat, harness, or lead on your dog, and there is an abundance of these available online. Even collars that have lights on them that flash will help to keep your dog visible on the end of your lead.

You may also find it useful to have a more substantial lead on your dog during winter months. Our hands are normally in gloves, and a good grip on our dogs lead could well be useful if we were to slip on the path or road. We would still then have a good hold of our dog, keeping it safe.

POO Bags

A must on any dog walk and failure to pick up after your dog in the Breckland area can present you with a nice dent in your christmas budget to the tune of up to £1000.00

(Taken fom http://www.scarning.info/dogbins.html )

“The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 allows local authorities to designate most public land as poop scoop areas without having to refer to central government. Previously, local authorities had to secure the agreement of central government to create the necessary byelaws. Under the new Act, failure to clear up on designated land is an offence subject to a maximum fine of £ 1000. Local authorities can also give offenders the option of paying a fixed penalty rather than go to Court. The main legislation relating to dog fouling is dealt with under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Part IV). This only applies to England; legislation is slightly different in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. (Information from Keep Britain Tidy website. www.keepbritaintidy.org )”

Mobile Phones

Always carry your mobile phone with you when you are out, and make sure it’s suitably charged.

Friends and Family

Make sure someone knows you are out with the dog and a rough idea of where you are going and how long you will be, so that should anything happen help may not be too far away.

Stay Alert

In light of a recent attack in Watton, Norfolk and various thefts and attempted thefts of dogs in the area, always be vigilant. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, or are approached by people who have an interest in your dog, please notify the police immediately, taking a photo if your safety and phone permits, of those people and any vehicles they may have.

If you have a loved one that walks their dog in the Breckland Area please print this off and pass it to them.