Don't treat us as second class, plea dog owners

7:40am Monday 13th October 2008

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By Will Carson »

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“DON’T treat us like second class citizens.”

That was the message from hundreds of dog owners who yesterday rounded on controversial plans for the future of the New Forest.

People spilled out of a packed Brockenhurst Village Hall at a rally organised by New Forest Dog Owners’ Group – the second mass protest against draft proposals by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

Dog owners say the plans will exclude them from large parts of the Forest and could be followed by a complete ban on dog-walking in the area.

NPA chairman Clive Chatters and conservation director Stephen Trotter also fielded questions from the lively audience, who voiced concerns about plans to minimise the impact of dogs on the Forest, including the possibility of creating dog-free car parks.

However, Mr Trotter said only four or five car parks out of 150 in the New Forest would be affected.

Mr Dickinson said: “They are simply talking about it affecting four to five car parks at the moment. The actual number will depend on who is running the authority from day to day.

“In any case, why should we be treated as second class citizens?

“There’s absolutely nothing to indicate dogs damage ground-nesting birds – the real threat to these birds is agricultural practices.”

Mr Swayne, MP for New Forest West, added: “The notion of dog-free car parks is one they should stop considering because it is a bad idea.

“Why should there be car parks that are closed to you just because you happen to own a dog?

“The reality is that we have enjoyed the New Forest for years. Who is complaining and where is the problem? I just don’t see it.”

In response to concerns about dog fouling, Mrs Lee told the meeting that the health risk from dog faeces was “non-existent”.

Mr Chatters promised that the NPA would listen to Forest users and consider their views.

After the meeting, he added: “These are passionate people who know their dogs and the Forest well, and they are saying ‘why pick on us?’ “It’s a fair question, but there is absolutely no plan to ban dogs from the New Forest.

“Walking and riding in the New Forest are some of the things that make it special and we’re committed to enhancing that and help people understand it and enjoy it.”

Last weekend newly-formed pressure group Forest Uprising staged one of the biggest demonstrations the Forest has ever seen.

The hundreds of protesters who gathered on Wilverley Plain, near Brockenhurst, said their way of life would change forever if the new recreation management plan was approved.