A NEW campaign urging people to keep their dogs on leads near level crossings has been launched today.

The campaign is a joint effort by Network Rail and Dogs Trust which comes after new figures show there have been more than 180 incidents or near misses between dog walkers and trains and five fatalities in the past five years around the UK.

A safety film has been made to show how quickly a dog off the lead can get onto the nearby tracks and a distracted owner can put themselves at risk of a fatal accident by trying to retrieve their pet.

Lynn Barber, Dogs Trust head of training and behaviour, said: “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, dogs can’t read and it’s every owner’s responsibility to keep their dogs safe.”