COMMUNITY NEWS
Using public footpaths The West Country boasts many of the most beautiful public footpaths in the country but when out walking in the countryside it’s important to remember that it’s a working environment where animals graze. Dogs are allowed on public footpaths, but should be on a lead or under close control where livestock are grazing. Walkers should also be vigilant, as at certain times of the year even the quietest of cattle can be excitable, especially in the spring when they have been let out of their winter quarters, are rearing young or bulling, ready to mate. The presence of dogs can excite livestock further and if they feel threatened their natural instinct is to protect their territory or young. To stay safe: Do • avoid getting between cows and their calves. • b e prepared for cattle to react to your presence, especially if you have a dog with you. •m ove quickly and quietly, and if possible, walk around the herd. • k eep your dog close and under effective control, or on a lead around cows and sheep. Don’t • h ang onto your dog’s lead if you are chased or charged at; the perceived threat is usually the dog and most dogs can easily outrun a cow but the majority of us humans can’t. • p ut yourself at risk. Find another way round the cattle to rejoin the footpath. • p anic or run. Most cattle are just inquisitive and will stop before they reach you. If they follow just walk on quietly.
A local housekeeping service that promises reliability, an excellent standard and integrity. We can also organise decorators, boiler services, shopping, dog walking...anything you need just ask!
www.upstairsdownstairshousekeeping.co.uk See our community website www.dartmoorlinks.co.uk
Livestock worrying is a serious problem for livestock farmers. The latest figures show around 15,000 sheep were killed by dogs in 2016. If a dog is worrying livestock on agricultural land, the owner/person in charge of the dog is guilty of a criminal offence under section 1 of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. Another hugely important issue is Neosporosis, which is an infectious animal disease caused by the Neospora caninum parasite. Neosporosis is dangerous to dogs, causing difficulty in breathing, paralysis, seizures and even death in young puppies. Dogs can become infected with Neospora after eating the afterbirth of an infected cow. Pasture land can stay contaminated by infected dog faeces for up to six months, and if ingested by cattle they can contract the disease, continuing the cycle. Neosporosis is one of the most common causes of abortion in cattle so it is very important that dog owners safeguard both their pets and livestock by keeping their dog within close contact and picking up faeces immediately. When walking on public footpaths through grazing fields it is essential that walkers and dogs keep to the footpath at all times. This is the only way Neosporosis can be managed as there is currently no prevention or treatment for this nasty parasite.
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Weekly housecleans Spring-cleans, individually priced Letting and house sales cleaning Houses cleaned while you are away Holiday homes/offices Ironing Gardening
Call: 01822 854161 27