THREE husky dog racers have been banned from training their animals on a bridleway.
Paul Truin and Matthew Townson, both from Shawforth, and James Mansergh, from Waterfoot, have been racing their huskies for several years on moorland in Crown Point, Burnley.
But all three have been barred from the area because the tricycles the huskies pull have been classed under an ancient bylaw as carriages.
Rangers working for United Utilities, which owns the land around Crown Point, informed the dog owners they were not allowed to use bridleways, following a complaint from a member of the public.
But Mr Truin, who has three huskies, said: "We are not damaging the ground and we are not harming anybody - we are just giving our huskies the exercise they need and enjoying a hobby."
Fuming
Ranger Glynn Howarth said it was a legal obligation that the rangers enforce the ban because the area covers public rights of way.
Mr Howarth said: "We are not against the huskies but we have to do our job. I am sorry that the three have nowhere to go and we will try our best to find an alternative."
Bridleways are for walkers, horse-riders and cyclists - dogs are only allowed on leads.
Mr Mansergh, who also has three racing dogs, said: "I'm fuming about the ban because it is the only place nearby where we can go. We would have to travel for hours, otherwise, which isn't practical - the dogs ideally need training four times a week."
Mr Truin hopes somebody will offer them the use of private land.
He added: "We would look after the land ourselves and there would be no damage. Huskies need to be trained, it's what they are bred for.
"Many people we met on Crown Point enjoyed seeing us and were curious, and we are always very happy to chat to people about the dogs.
"It is a fantastic sport, one of the fastest growing in Britain."
Should the husky dog racers be banned? Have your say.
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Let the people use the land.The dogs need to run,these men aredoing no harm.good luck to them all.Bill corris
Shame on the person who reported a problem which wasn't a problem to start with. I don't see why something that looks so fun can be banned, even though no doubt many people especially the children can watch and enjoy spectating whilst out and about.
What the heck does Mr Ranger think these dogs are on.They are fastened to leads which un turn are fastened to the training harness and then those are in the hands of the driver.
Living here in Canada it is quite common in the summer months to see Huskies being trained in this manner in many of our parks,on our public cycle and walking paths and no one seems to be concerned.
I think it time these Ranger Guys did something worth while instead of harassing a couple of guys who are both excersing theselves and their dogs.
To the dog owners I say KEEP IT UP GUYS
These guys state that they have been training their huskies for several years at crown point, so why are the Rangers so against what seems like a fun way for both husky and owners after all this time, like the previous comment says the huskies are on leads, it's not like the dogs were running loose. Guys you carry on doing the sport you and your huskies enjoy. Good Luck to you.
Pathetic! The animals are UNDER CONTROL and far less a damger or problem than loose animals! Honestly they are DOING NO HARM! Let them run i bet its a sight to see! Lovely to see dogs working, Are the anti hunt lots going to ban these now too?
thanks to all the people for your suport and coments.
maney thanks
matthew townson
hey looks like you brits are crazy !!! like matts jackets
I agree with the Ranger - THIS IS a public footpath and bridlepath and it seems dangerous to think that these dogs are being raced at high speeds endangering the public. They should have thought about their exercise before they acquired these animals. Yet more irresponsibe 'pet' owners !!!
No, It is a fast upcomimg sport and the dogs need the training, as cyclelist are allowed to use the bridleway way can they the dogs are on leads infact they spend most of there lives on leads. These are people how no nothing about the dogs and just like to complain. There has probably been more near miss with horse than 3 huskys and a racer. Lift The ban.
I cannot believe the petty rules that dominate our lives now. Keep on running your dogs, a lovely sight to be seen.
I feel if these guys have been using the area for a long time then the rangers would of known and have probably let it go on. It's only because someone has complained that the ranger has taken action.