Footpath Issues at Pencelli

For some years, Society members and others have experienced problems and dog attacks using Footpaths 29/14/1 which runs approximately East to West from SO 091248 to SO 094248 and 29/15/1 (on the designated map) which runs roughly North – South from SO 092250 to SO 091243. This is just south of Pencelli.

NPA reports there has already been an unsuccessful prosecution following a dog attack and there are still intermittent reports about problems with the dogs. Sadly, one of our members reported that he had been challenged by a farmer, bitten by one of his 8/9 dogs who charged aggressively. “The farmer claims that the land is private, and doesn’t know why the map shows land as having access.” The matter has been reported to the Police and NPA has agreed to pursue this again with the police as only they have powers to deal with dangerous dogs. The police have placed a community protection order on the landowner but it does not appear that anything has come of this even though further reports have been made to the police about the behaviour of the dogs. The landowner knows full well that there is a public footpath crossing the land. Denying its existence will not make it go away. The Society has also approached the Police, calling for action in support of our member and NPA. We feel we have a responsibility to pursue this matter as the landowner appears to behave with impunity.

Members are of course well within their rights to use these footpaths but in view of the above, it is the EC’s recommendation that these paths are avoided for the moment.