Tynwald will be asked to support amendments to byelaws to oblige dog owners to clean up after their pets in two popular walking spots.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, will this month ask Tynwald to amend the Forest (General) Byelaws to include Archallagan Forest Park and Chibannagh Plantation.
South Barrule Forest Park and Conrhenny Community Woodland are already covered by the byelaws, which make it an offence to allow a dog to foul roads, paths, mown areas of grass, way-marked routes, car parks and picnic areas without cleaning it up.
Zac Hall MHK, Member of Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) with responsibility for Forestry, Amenity and Lands, said:
'We welcome dogs on the vast majority of our land, but the sheer size of DEFA's estate means that it's impossible to have bins on all routes popular with dog-walkers.
'Most owners act responsibly and show consideration for other visitors by picking up after their pets and taking away the mess. However, we still find bags containing dog faeces discarded on the side of tracks or even hanging from trees. Aside from the health issue, the bags can take years to degrade and spoil people's enjoyment of the countryside.'
Tynwald will also be asked to amend the byelaws to exclude dogs from three areas of South Barrule Forest Park and Archallagan Forest Park.
Mr Hall explained:
'Some of our more popular family activity areas and venues already exclude dogs. These include Tynwald National Park in St John's and the playgrounds in some of our glens.
'Because South Barrule's attractions are now enjoyed by so many visitors, including those with young children, we are seeking Tynwald's permission to add the areas used for Ape Mann and Laser Mayhem activities to those where dogs are not allowed. We also hope to amend the byelaws to exclude dogs from Archallagan's new play area.'
Mr Hall said:
'The proposed byelaw changes reflect our investment in our amenities, a welcome increase in visitors, including families, enjoying them and the need to make sure they get the best from the experience.'
Two DEFA wardens enforce byelaws across DEFA's entire 28,000-acre estate.
DEFA's dog walkers' code can be viewed at /media/1346048/dog-walking-code.pdf
