THE Daily Echo today launches a campaign to let dogs run free in the New Forest.

We are joining forces with thousands of dog owners who made their feelings plain at one of the biggest protest meetings ever seen in the area.

Some 2,000 furious animal lovers packed into Lyndhurst Park Hotel to demand they be allowed to let their dogs off the lead.

Now the Daily Echo is taking the New Forest Dog Owners' Group protest a step further - and we are looking for your help.

Forestry Commission restrictions mean people must keep their dogs on the leash as a precaution against spreading foot-and-mouth. But the measures could become permanent if the controversial Countryside and Rights of Way Bill is adopted to protect ground-nesting birds.

We say dogs, like people, should have the right to roam - for ever.

Protest action is being led by the New Forest Dog Owners' Group, which staged a packed public meeting at Lyndhurst on July 3.

Chairman Pauline Ludlow said: "Dog walkers have supported the Forestry Commission in many ways over the years and now we're getting nothing in return.

"Campers from areas affected by foot-and-mouth disease are free to visit the area.

"But local dog walkers, who haven't been anywhere near infected parts of the country, are having to put up with ridiculous restrictions."

Fellow campaigner Pam Clayton said today: "We are delighted that the Daily Echo is supporting us so strongly. With the paper's backing, we hope to achieve our objectives."

Dog owners have also secured the support of the Forest's two MPs, Julian Lewis and Desmond Swayne.

Mr Swayne said: "The Forestry Commission's suggestion that it will be forced to implement the Rights of Way Bill in the New Forest is utter baloney. I welcome the Daily Echo's campaign."

A Forestry Commission spokesman said no decision had been taken.