RSPCA warning to dog walkers after 'horrific injuries'

The RSPCA has issued an urgent warning to dog walkers to keep their pets on leads during this time of year, especially when in parks and other green spaces, due to the risk of "horrific injuries" to wildlife and livestock.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "If you're heading out to enjoy the spring sunshine please be mindful of wildlife and livestock and if you're taking your dog for a walk, please keep them on the lead in areas where there could be other animals."

They added: "Sadly, we see wildlife such as deer, hedgehogs, ducks, geese and swans coming into the care of our wildlife centres with horrific injuries caused by dog attacks. Many farmers are also left with severely injured livestock following dog attacks. These are incidents that can be easily prevented if we all take responsibility and keep our dogs on leads around other animals."

The spokesperson continued: "We all want to create a kinder world for all animals and, if we all play our part to take simple steps to be responsible dog owners, then we'll be one step closer to this goal."

While there is no overarching law that requires dogs to be kept on leads in all public spaces, specific orders may demand leashing in certain areas such as children's play zones, sports pitches, roads, parks, and beaches. Additionally, Rule 56 of The Highway Code stipulates that dogs should be kept on a short lead along roads and on paths shared with horse riders or cyclists, reports MyLondon.