Responsible Dog Ownership

As a living working landscape, responsible dog ownership is really important in the countryside, and the Black Mountains are no different. We support and encourage users and visitors with dogs to follow the Dog Walking Code, which in sum means:

When you take your dog into the outdoors, always ensure it does not disturb wildlife, farm animals, horses or other people by keeping it under effective control. This means that you: keep your dog on a lead, or

• keep it in sight at all times, be aware of what it’s doing and be confident it will return to you promptly on command
• ensure it does not stray off the path or area where you have a right of access
  • Special dog rules may apply in particular situations, so always look out for local signs – for example: dogs may be banned from certain areas that people use, or there may be restrictions, bylaws or control orders limiting where they can go
• the access rights that normally apply to open country and registered common land (known as ‘open access’ land) require dogs to be kept on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July, to help protect ground nesting birds, and all year round near farm animals

It’s always good practice (and a legal requirement on ‘open access’ land) to keep your dog on a lead around farm animals and horses, for your own safety and for the welfare of the animals. Be aware of sheep worrying –  a growing concern in the uplands, and its consequences.

Everyone knows how unpleasant dog mess is and it can cause infections, so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly – ‘bag it and bin it’. Make sure your dog is wormed regularly to protect your dog, other animals and people.

We support the Brecon Beacons Dog Code