Lancashire Wildlife Trust and the Dogs Trust are urging dog owners to do their bit when visiting nature reserves and other wild places by keeping their pets on leads during ground-nesting season and around livestock.
Unsupervised dogs can have a hugely detrimental effect if allowed to disturb wildlife. Recently, four conservation grazing sheep at Ainsdale Local Nature Reserve were subjected to a dog attack with one having to be euthanised.
Every year there are reports of dog attacks on livestock, and, sadly, it is not just our managed animals that are at risk. Endangered bird species such as lapwings, curlews, skylarks, woodcock and ringed plovers all make their nests on the ground, along with many other species who rely on nature reserves and our other precious wild places for safety. They are particularly vulnerable to disturbance between February and August.
Keeping dogs close by, and ideally on short leads, will help ensure that ground-nesting birds are not harmed during the breeding season. Unsupervised dogs can cause birds to abandon their nests, so it’s vital that they are kept under control.
And it’s not just inland where dogs can be extremely problematic for wildlife. Huge numbers of birds visit our amazing coastline every year, but dogs can cause them to flee their nests, or use up vital energy required to nurture their young when they are flushed from their breeding sites.
Interactions between people and nature at this time of year can have long-lasting effects and a significant impact on the breeding success and survival rates of the birds.
Many dog owners are passionate about nature and want to avoid harming it. However, even the most well-behaved dogs can unintentionally cause distress or damage wildlife, simply by following their natural curiosity.
Birds perceive dogs as predators and when dogs roam freely, birds may abandon their nests, leaving eggs and chicks cold, unfed and unprotected.
“There’s nothing I enjoy more than taking Indy out on a walk in the country and letting her explore like her ancestors,” says David Oakes, actor, dog owner and ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts. “But whether visiting a reserve, or when out in nature more generally, I know how important her lead is. Whether there’s livestock, horse-riders, waterfowl, ground-nesting birds, seal pups or even a beaver dam – the lead is essential for every responsible nature-loving dog owner.
“Like me, she loves exploring and taking in the sight and sounds of nature, but I’m aware wildlife is suffering severe declines in the UK, and dogs in wild places can cause problems, especially from February through to the end of summer when many species are breeding. Let’s all ‘paws for thought’, and try to do our bit in helping to protect nature whilst out with our beloved four-legged friends.”
“Dogs enrich our lives, but they also bring a level of responsibility,” says Dr Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust. “Whilst many of us enjoy taking our dogs for long walks, especially as it becomes a bit warmer, we urge dog owners to consider their surroundings, particularly when visiting areas where they might encounter wildlife.
“When visiting rural areas, owners should keep their dogs under control and ensure they do not worry other animals or stray from the path, as well as dispose of their dog’s waste appropriately. We would advise keeping your dog on a short lead, and close to you, especially whenever livestock are nearby. It is important to remember that chasing is normal dog behaviour, and that any dog is capable of chasing, irrelevant of breed, type, age or size. We would encourage owners to explore training options such as the Dogs Trust’s Dog School.”
From designated walking paths to understanding the changing wildlife seasons, The Wildlife Trusts say there is plenty that people can do to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience at its reserves – on two legs or four.
• See wildlifetrusts.org/dogs-and-nature for more information about responsible dog walking
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