Habits, beaches, dogs and leashes: Non-compliance with park regulations

Abstract

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.