Dog Notice
About, 1 in 5 of Combrook households keeps a dog(s) and of course we have a good few visitors walking dogs through the village, enjoying the field and woodland footpaths.
We 'd like to think that Combroke welcomes considerate owners and their well-behaved dogs.
Most owners view their dogs as part of the family, providing an essential part of daily interaction and companionship;
although not all of us are so comfortable with dogs about -for some an approaching dog can be a quite stressful moment.
But we hope in Combrook we generally all manage it well. For many the village dogs are part of the colourful character of village life.
Dogs off lead
Dogs off lead on countryside footpaths must be under the control of their owner.
Dog Fouling
The majority of dog owners are responsible about dog mess and carry poop bags to clear up after their dogs and dispose of the waste properly. There is really no excuse for not doing so.
Apart from being unsightly on public spaces about the village, the lanes and verges, and on footpaths across our countryside woodland and fields; dog mess is smelly, dreadful if stepped onto, and it can be a serious health hazard.
Parasites found in some dog mess can pose a fatal disease threat to livestock. Neosporosis can result in abortions in cattle and sarcocystosis can lead to death in sheep. These parasites' eggs infect livestock when they eat contaminated grass.
Failure to clean up after a dog is a criminal offence and could result in an on the spot £75 Fixed Penalty Notice. Non-payment could lead to a court fine of £1000
It is no defence for an owner to claim ignorance of their dog's actions. Please remember this also applies when a child or young person is out with the family dog.
The message is simple:
Scoop it, bag it, bin it!
Nuisance Barking
Barking is one of a dog's ways of communicating. It is normal for dogs to bark, usually it's for specific reasons. For instance if there is a danger or to warn off intruders or simply with excitement that its time for tea. Usually it does not last for very long.
However when barking happens a lot or a persistent and loud barking exists it can be upsetting and annoying to those exposed to the noise. And if a dog displays aggression as well as barking it can be frightening, especially if it goes unchecked.
All the research shows that problems with barking noise are best sorted when owners and their neighbours talk about it.
We get used to our pet's foibles so it may not register as an irritation. Also an owner might not be aware that their dog is barking a lot when it is at home on its own. So talking to an owner about it makes sense.
The District Council's website2 has some good advice for both owners and neighbours - and explains what action can be taken if talking together does not bring about some improvement.
DEFRA publish a really helpful leaflet for dog owners "Is your dog barking too much?" which has some great tips to help owners think about their dog and barking issues.
https://www.stratford.gov.uk/community/barking-dogs.cfm
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/is-your-dog-barking-too-much