Pentland Hills Regional Park/Explore/Dog Walking

WALKING THE DOG

Man’s best friend can be a great companion when out for a walk. In the Pentland Hills Regional Park though, a poorly trained or controlled “best friend” coupled with an irresponsible owner, can soon turn into our “worst nightmare”.

Sheep and Lambs are present on the hills throughout the year and in most locations throughout the park. Cattle too can be a worried as well as be a threat to your dog. It is important therefore if you bring your dog into the Pentlands that you are aware of how to enable your dog to exercise and enjoy the area whilst it remains under your control.

Several pieces of legislation apply to dogs in the countryside. They are

Worrying of livestock by dogs
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 (S1)
If a dog worries livestock on any agricultural land the dog owner or person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offence. Worrying includes a dog attacking or chasing livestock, or being at large in a field in which there are sheep.

Control of dogs
Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (S48)
Any person in charge of a dog which fouls a footpath or way, or a verge maintained by a council and adjacent to a footpath/way, or any place maintained by a local authority for recreational purposes is guilty of an offence. (this would include most, if not all of the Regional Park!)

Control of dogs
Animals (Scotland) Act 1987 (S4)
Provides a defence for people who kill or injure a dog worrying livestock (there are stringent conditions on this).

Dog fouling (Scotland) Act 2003
It is an offence not to clear up after your dog in a public place. Environmental Wardens and the Police can issue a fixed penalty notice and a fine of £40, increasing to £60 if it is not paid within 28 days, for failure to remove dog faeces to a suitable waste disposal receptacle.

Additionally the new Scottish Outdoor Access Code sets out the guidance which applies to dog owners. Please make sure you are familiar with your requirements. Remember if you can’t see your dog, its unlikely it is under your control.
Please check out the Access Code website.

To exercise your dog in the Pentlands, without fear of coming across sheep, lambs or other livestock, visit Hillend Country Park, just off the A702.

Everyone wants to enjoy a pleasant countryside experience whilst in the Pentlands, and for many this experience is marred by the blight of dog fouling. Please ensure your dog is in sight especially when you first exit your car. The area around our car parks experience the highest incidence of dog mess. With an conservative estimate of 200,000 dog visits a year to the Pentlands, you can imagine the extent of the problem if we cannot enlist your support .

It is an offence not to pick up your dog’s mess, and to assist you we provide bag dispensers at Bonaly and Harlaw entrances. Bags can be deposited in any bin.

Environmental Wardens do patrol the Regional Park regularly and have issued several fixed penalty notices of £40 for dog fouling offences.

The Pentlands is a place for everyone, including four legged companions. With a little foresight and planning, you and your dog can continue to enjoy a walk in the hills with little impact on the place that you love so well.

For details of services for your dog in the Lothians check out the Scottish Kennel Club Website.