Paws On The Moors Site Launches

Moors for the Future has launched a new web site to help dog owners walk their dogs safely in the Peak District National Park called Paws on the Moors.

The Paws For The Moors site uses animation along with straighforward tips to present simple guidelines designed to protect pets, wildlife and farm animals when out on the hills.

The site uses a downloadable 15-minute animated film which follows the outdoors education of Barney, a rescue puppy as he learns about the pros and cons of the Peak District environment.

The animation shows entertainingly why dog-walkers need to keep control of their pets for the safety both of other animals and the dog itself. Short leads are essential during the breeding season between March 1 and July 31 to protect lambs and ground-nesting birds, but also to minimise the risk of dogs or their owners being attacked by cattle defending their calves.

The inititative is supported by the Kennel Club, and Kennel Club secretary, Caroline Kisko, said: "This entertaining, informative approach gives people excellent advice about keeping their dogs happy and safe on the moors, whilst protecting rare birds and wildlife. A pet roaming off-lead at the wrong time or place can cause distress and serious injury for dogs, farm animals and wildlife alike."

The site also has information on dog-friendly B and Bs, first aid for dogs and biographies of the Paws on the Moors characters. As well as the animation, you can download podcasts - dogcasts? - wallpaper, bird songs and a doggy passport for your canine companion.

More information at www.pawsonthemoors.org

The Basics

• always keep your dog close by, under control and in sight
  
• always use a short two-metre lead:
  
• between March 1 - July 31 when rare moorland birds lay their eggs on the ground
• near farm animals - all year round. Sheep are particularly sensitive to dogs
• if you cannot rely on your dog's obedience
  
• if livestock chase you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead - don't risk getting hurt trying to protect it
  
• please follow official signs that illustrate the sensitive times and places where dogs are not allowed

For a chance to win one of five copies of the 'Paws on the Moors' animation on DVD, e-mail the answer to this question: "What are the dates of the bird nesting season?" to moors@peakdistrict.gov.uk by May 16 2008.