Dartmoor National Park set to change dog rules

Dartmoor National Park Authority is to consider a raft of rule changes that would mean dogs must be on a lead between 1 March and 31 July to protect livestock and ground-nesting birds.

In addition, people would be prevented from bringing more than six dogs on the land at once and park rangers will be able to direct walkers to keep unruly pets on a lead at any time.

The restrictions are part of a planned overhaul of by-laws to “update and modernise” rules first adopted in 1989.

Dartmoor National Park Authority members will vote on the proposals on Friday. If the draft proposals are approved by members, the authority will begin a consultation process before a final vote takes place next year.