Dogs, Footpaths & Public Safety – Important Reminder

Dear Stinchcombe Villagers,

The Parish Council have received a number of concerns about dogs straying from public footpaths onto private land and also onto the sports pitches at the rugby club, along with ongoing issues with dog fouling. Unfortunately, there has also been a recent incident where a dog, not under close control, ran from the footpath area at the Rugby Club and bit a child. Thankfully the injury was not serious, but the matter has been reported to the police.

Landowners in Stinchcombe, including Piers Court and the Rugby Club, welcome the use of the marked public footpaths by villagers and others – see footpath maps attached, but would like to request that:

• Close control: Dogs on public footpaths must be kept under close control, typically on a short lead, particularly around livestock to avoid “livestock worrying,” which is a criminal offense. While not legally required everywhere, keeping dogs on leads is advised in rural areas, especially from 1 March to 31 July on Open Access land, to protect ground-nesting birds and farm animals.
• Keep to the Path: Dogs should not wander off the public right of way onto surrounding private land or sports pitches
• Dog waste: Dog walkers should always pick up and properly dispose of dog waste

This is not about restricting access. It is about public safety, hygiene, and respect for shared spaces. Dog fouling presents a health risk, and dogs off leads can cause harm, even where owners believe them to be under control.

We are grateful to those who live in the village and also those who come to Stinchcombe to walk their dogs that already follow this guidance and ask everyone to help prevent further incidents