Network Rail has teamed up with Dogs Trust

OREANDA-NEWS. Network Rail has teamed up with Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, which is supporting the campaign and will be including level crossing safety materials in its rehoming packs for new dog owners handed out at its 20 rehoming centres across the country.

A recent survey** of dog owners by Dogs Trust revealed:

• More than two thirds (68%) acknowledged that their dogs do not always come back when called.
• A further 68% admitted they would go after their dog onto a level crossing when a train was coming to try and rescue them.
• The majority (71%) underestimated how many dog walkers had been involved in an incident at a level crossing in the past five years.
• More than two thirds (68%) admitted they don’t know the locations of level crossings when they are walking their dogs away from home.
• The majority of people (95%) backed the idea of an awareness campaign.

Lynn Barber, Dogs Trust Head of Training and Behaviour, comments: “Dogs Trust would like to advise all dog owners who walk near railway lines or level crossings to have your dog on a lead and under control at all times. If your dog likes to chase wildlife, cars or bikes or is very fearful you should try to avoid walks that are near level crossings. Recall is essential near potentially dangerous situations. There are around 6,100 level crossings still in use across Britain, and although you may be able to read the warning signs, remember – dogs can’t read and it’s every owner’s responsibility to keep their dogs safe.”

The campaign will be delivered locally by Network Rail’s 100 dedicated level crossing managers who will aim to link up with dog walking clubs, pet shops, and promote the safety messages at community events, where they can speak directly to level crossing users about their experiences. 

Dog owner and Network Rail level crossing manager Chris Williams explained why he’s backing the campaign: “I know with my two dogs how easily they can run off and how difficult it is sometimes to call them back, so I always keep them on a lead when I’m somewhere busy like a level crossing or a road.  Hundreds of level crossings run through the countryside where it might feel like you’re in a very open area, but you can actually be very close to the railway with trains travelling through at over 100mph.

“It’s my job to keep people safe at level crossings, and across the country we see far too many near misses with trains and people walking their dogs.  I don’t want any of these near misses turning into tragedies and so I urge anyone walking their dog close to a level crossing, to keep them on a lead and keep their pets and themselves safe from harm.”