To just let my dog off anyway

[LittleYellowIceCream]

Live on a small rural street where we are all quite close with neighbours.

At the end of the street is a farm, they don't use one of the fields closest to the road so a long long time ago they turned it into a 'dog walking' field for the people on the street (and whoever really).

There is a public footpath through the field which is clearly marked and runs up the side near the wall and then through the other fields. You have to enter this field from the road and there is a big sign which says 'X STREET DOG WALKING FIELD' and a message about picking up after them etc...

It's nice, the dogs often play on there together and we all have a chat if we happen to be on at the same time etc...

However since this warm weather I've seen about 3/4 families all sat down on the field on blankets having picnics. Not with their own dogs, just them.

It means none of us feel we can let our dogs off to run around and play.

One neighbour did point out the sign and said it may not be the best place for a picnic but was ignored.

WIBU to just let my dog off his lead anyway? He does have good recall but I obviously can't guarantee his frisbee isn't going to land in someone's 'picnic area' whilst we play fetch!

There's not many places dogs can just have a run off lead round here that are closed off and safe. There is a park where people can have picnics literally 5 minutes away!

Its really annoying me. I don't take him to the park because I don't want to get in people's way when they are trying to sit/eat/kids playing etc.. this is the one area that is supposed to be for dogs to run about off lead and I feel like I can't even let him off here now either.

[Fenlandmountainrescue]

I think those picnickers are well out of order. You have a right to expect dogs to be on a lead in play parks (its the law), but not somewhere for their exercise. Has no one pointed out the sign to them?

[FrogFairy]

There are many many places where folk can go to have a picnic, but this field is private land and a designated dog walking areas are few and far between.

I would let your dog have his run about, if any picnicking trespassers take umbrage then perhaps they should fuck off elsewhere.

[LittleYellowIceCream]

Yes I was talking to one of the other ladies who uses it the other day and she said she pointed out it may not be the best place for a picnic and was flatly ignored!

She's not very confrontational though (neither am I!) so just kept hers on his lead and walked the circuit instead.

I think I'll message the farm owner just to let her know.

[PrincessConsueIaBananaHammock]

It would be like dog owners or grownups going into a playground and moan there are children around, playing, running, throwing balls etc and disrupting their sunbathing/dogs walking.

[MilkTrayLimeBarrel]

Imagine the situation were reversed - 'dog running free in picnic area' - and the comments which would ensue. You are in the right, OP - I would tell them that it is a designated dog walking field and you will be letting your dog off the lead in X minutes for a run!

[JemimaPuddleCat]

Surely that's like hanging out in a school playground then complaining there's kids. Or going to the dentist then shouting you have a real aversion to toothpaste.

Idiots.

[Jimmers]

Mentioning it in the WhatsApp group sounds sensible, OP. Maybe suggest a “no picnics” sign to make it quite clear (although the currents signs make it clear to anyone with half a brain cell!)
I’d let the dog off and play as normal 😊

[Ihaventgottimeforthis]

The picnickers are trespassing, unless they are within the 2m corridor of the public right of way.
The owner has given permissive access for dog walking only.
Let him off!

[YetAnotherSpartacus]

Could the owners of the field get sued if someone gets hurt by a dog?

[Coulddowithanap]

Why would someone have a picnic in the middle of a dog walking field!?

[LittleYellowIceCream]

Why would someone have a picnic in the middle of a dog walking field!?

Well I did wonder!!

[AllIMissNowIsTheSea]

I don't even like dogs but if it's genuinely private land which the owners have selflessly openned up as a dog walking field complete with signs to say so, then of course you are not being unreasonable.

It's pretty amazing that the farmers decided to lose out on income from this field by making it freely available to absolutely any dog walker - they could charge admission or rent it out to dog owners by the 30 minutes if it's a secure field!

Thank you for not letting your dog off lead in the park and for training your dog properly.

[LittleYellowIceCream]

Ok you've all reassured me, I'm going to message her about it and let her know.

I think PP was right that people could be feeding their leftovers to the horses too. She's just had to put up huge new signs there as well because people have been feeding them and ignoring the more polite ones that were already there!

[sillysmiles]

Just let the dog off and if they complain point out that they are on private private specifically designated for dog walking.
Seriously some people are so entitled, there are so many places that you can have a picnic, why pick the one that has a defined alternative purpose.


In the whatapps group, I would ask if anyone knows them, in case they are semi local - ie in some way attached to people who live near by.

[Honeyroar]

I’d message the field owner. I’d want to know if there were people picnicking in my field. I’d also let your dog off. If they say anything point out they’re in a private dog field, not a park. If they mention the public footpath tell them they’re not on it, the footpath is about 2metres wide and is for pedestrians not picnics and ball games. They’re trespassing, plain and simple.

What a shame that the land owner is having so much trouble with people being stupid/selfish when she’s been so kind as to give up a field for public use. (I wouldn’t with my field!)

[HeffalumpsCantDance]

I’m not keen on dogs and am often grumpy when off-lead animals can’t keep themselves to themselves and have crap recall. Or owners squealing ‘She’s just being fwendly’
I love designated dog parks etc, because I can avoid them. So I’m all for you letting your beast roam free in the space meant for them, and the picnic can take its chances. Might be a useful training opportunity, for when you want to go to other, less dog-friendly areas.

[BruceAndNosh]

Yes, ask her to add a NO PICNICS sign

[Mumteedum]

Definitely mention it. I would also mention that you'll be letting your dog off lead to the pick nickers. Silly people.

[LittleYellowIceCream]

AllMiss, I know it's a really lovely lady who owns it.

I'm not sure why they don't use it themselves it's been used for dog walking long before I lived here, I'm not sure if it's just because they don't have enough livestock maybe to make use of it? They have one field with her horses in and then one other on the furthest side with a few sheep. They don't seem to have anything else so perhaps just not a big 'working' farm?

Either way it's really kind and we are all very grateful for the use!

[WickedlyPetite]

Mmmmm a picnic in the middle of a dog walking field with remnants of dog shit and piss all over it - yummy!

YANBU.

Let your dog off. If any of the picnickers complain, point them to the sign which clearly states it's a dog walking field.

[Windyatthebeach]

I would tell all ddog walkers some kind picnicers are providing free ddoggy snacks in the field.... Tell the numbnuts offering that you assumed this to be true as the field is designated for your pets...

[NailsNeedDoing]

Let your dog off the lead, prey frisbee, have fun. They'll just move if they don’t like it.

[emz771]

I can never understand how people go to known dog walk places and complain it’s full of dogs. It’s like going to harvester for lunch on a Sunday and complaining it’s full of kids!

[HarrietTheShy]

You're in the right, OP, but as per a previous comment, I'd be wary of getting into it with people who think it's appropriate to picnic on private property. Tensions are high, atm. God knows how they'd react. Next thing you know, you're in the Daily Mail being videoed as an aggressive dog walker.

I'd def mention it to the owner in case she is unaware. I'd be annoyed if my property was being used without my permission.

[LittleYellowIceCream]

Knowing my luck his frisbee will land right in someone's sandwiches!