DOG walkers are reminded that their canine friends are no longer permitted on the canal paths through Westhay and Catcott Nature Reserves.

The decision was made in August last year.

Dogs are now only permitted on the public rights of way (London Drove and Dagg’s Lane Drove in the case of Westhay, and Lower Ropes Drove, Higher Ropes Drove, Jane’s Drove, Summerclose Drove and East Drove in the case of Catcott), and must remain on a lead or under very close control.

This excludes guide dogs.

The decision was taken in order to protect the fragile ecosystem and local wildlife, many of which find the presence of dogs distressing and, in some cases, life-threatening.

As stated on the Somerset Wildlife Trust's website, a number of irresponsible dog owners made the ruling necessary, with some walkers even getting aggressive when asked to put their dog on the lead or recall their pet.