Habits, beaches, dogs and leashes: Non-compliance with park regulations
Date
2018-05Author
Bowes, Matthew
Keller, Peter
Rollins, Rick
Gifford, Robert
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Protected areas are important for both conserving natural resources and providing visitor experiences, but these two
objectives are sometimes compromised when visitors do not comply with regulations. This issue was explored in a
study in Canada’s Pacific Rim National Park Reserve where non-compliance with off-leash dog regulations has led to
negative impacts on wolves, shorebirds and visitor experiences. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was applied
to explore factors that influence non-compliance with off-leash dog regulations. This study found moderate to strong
relationships between visitor behavioural intentions towards compliance and the three concepts associated with the
TPB that may shape intentions: attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Weaker relationships
were found between these concepts and beliefs thought to influence each concept. The relationship between
intentions to comply and actual compliance behaviour was weaker, but these predictions became stronger when past
behaviour regarding leashing dogs in the park (habit) was considered. This paper discusses how habitual off-leash
dog walking affects TPB’s ability to predict future behaviour of dog walkers, and how management strategies aimed
at providing persuasive arguments for dog leashing are not likely to be as successful, unless combined with other
approaches outlined in the paper.
Identifier (Other)
DOI: 10.25316/IR-1155DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.CH.2018.PARKS-24-1MB.en