New Forest: Call for new PSPO to tackle dogs chasing animals

2
Skip to next photo
1/1
Show caption
1/1
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Council chiefs are facing calls to launch a crackdown on people whose dogs chase and attack livestock grazing in the New Forest.

Speaking at the Court of Verderers, lifelong commoner Lucie Rowe said a new public space protection order (PSPO) should be brought in to tackle the issue of irresponsible dog owners.

Two existing PSPOs were introduced by New Forest District Council in 2023.

The orders prohibit the lighting of fires and barbecues as well as the feeding or petting of ponies and other free-roaming animals.

Anyone breaching a PSPO can be handed a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice or fined up to £1,000 if the case goes to Southampton Magistrates' Court.

An existing PSPO prohibits people from feeding or petting any of the free-roaming animals in the New Forest (Image: Hang Ross)

Ms Rowe said some dog-related problems in the Forest stemmed from the early stages of the pandemic.

She told the court: "Due to Covid restrictions, many acquired dogs were not properly socialised or trained as puppies, and their owners have little knowledge or understanding of dog behaviour and the disturbance and upset their canine companions can cause.

"The New Forest is no ordinary country park.

"Here we have an abundance of livestock. These animals, that are enjoyed by so many and which tourism is sold on the back of, are owned by people with commoning rights who pay fees for their animals to graze out there.

"As animal owners, we commoners have responsibility for the welfare of our livestock."

An existing PSPO prohibits people from feeding or petting any of the free-roaming animals in the New Forest (Image: Trev Stadd)

Ms Rowe said she had seen a large dog attack a calf, adding: "The poor creature died from the trauma and the owner was not even held to account.

"Every time I walk out on the Forest I see dogs disturbing ponies by bounding all around them whilst they are trying to peacefully graze."

READ MORE: Reality TV star Gemma Collins blasted by fans after posting picture of her hugging a New Forest pony

Ms Rowe also wants any new PSPO to tackle the issue of dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets.

"With so much dog contamination now in the soil and streams of the Forest, the risk of diseases for Forest-run livestock is surely ever increasing.

"Why are we accepting the contamination of what is supposed to be highly protected and cherished natural diversity? Surely this is not the way to treat an area that has the SSSI designation?"

New Forest District Council has been contacted for comment.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos