Devon Wildlife Trust asks the public to keep dogs on leads to protect nature
The
leading local charity Devon Wildlife Trust is urging dog owners to keep
their pets on short leads now that birds are nesting, species are
emerging
from hibernation and to protect grazing livestock.
Experts
say dogs off leads are one of the biggest causes of wildlife
disturbance – this is particularly problematic when many species are
breeding
and vulnerable either on or near the ground.
Ground-nesting
birds such as curlew, corn bunting and skylark, are particularly at
risk. Research shows that 66% of ground-nesting birds are in decline
in the UK, compared to 31% of other species.
Dogs
can also be a threat to sheep, cows and other grazing livestock, with
regular problems reported on land owned by Devon Wildlife Trust. Dog
waste
is dangerous for wildlife too, as it can carry diseases, scare away
animals and fertilise soils, affecting the natural balance of fragile
habitats.
Dog owners can help wildlife if they:
-
Keep dogs on short leads on nature reserves and the wider countryside
-
Clean up after animals and dispose of dog waste in bins or at home
-
Avoid using nature reserves if walking large groups of dogs
Many
of Devon Wildlife Trust's 59 nature reserves welcome responsible dog
walkers but instances of loose dogs disturbing wildlife, livestock and
people
have led it to act. Now the charity, which manages many of Devon's
best-known beauty spots including sites at Dunsford (Dartmoor), Bystock
Pools (East Devon), Warleigh Point (Plymouth), Meeth Quarry (North
Devon) and Andrew's Wood (South Devon) is issuing
a public plea with spring fast approaching.
Penny Mason, Director of Wilder Living at Devon Wildlife Trust, says:
"I am a
dog owner myself, and I know that exploring the countryside with your
dog is a way that many people connect with and enjoy nature. But Devon
Wildlife Trust and many of our partners are experiencing
increasing issues linked to dogs on our nature reserves. Dogs off leads
routinely disturb ground nesting birds and other wildlife. They have
attacked livestock that we use to support conservation grazing and dog
fouling is a perennial problem that spoils enjoyment
of our sites for staff and visitors alike. Fear of dogs is also a big
barrier for some people visiting green spaces where they run free.
Wildlife
has been increasingly squeezed into smaller and more fragmented places.
Where we have established nature reserves, we do need to make sure
wildlife has the space and peace to thrive. This
is why we ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and clear up
after them. By following this simple request wildlife and people will
benefit."
Jenna Kiddie,
head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust, says:
"A countryside dog walk is understandably popular, especially as we move into the warmer months. But owners
have a responsibility to
keep their dog under control, including around livestock and wildlife,
to ensure they do not worry other animals or stray onto
neighbouring land for everyone's safety and wellbeing.
"This can be managed by ensuring dogs are kept on a short lead, and close to their owners, whenever livestock are nearby,
within seeing, hearing or smelling distance
or whenever their presence is likely to be expected. 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."
The impacts of dogs off leads in wild places include trampling nests and scaring adult birds away from their young. Vulnerable
chicks can perish if left alone for too long. Disturbances can also affect
feeding and foraging behaviour – wildlife is less likely to breed and feed in areas where dogs are encountered.
The law states you must
keep your dog on a lead no longer than two metres between 1st March and 31st July when on any open access land to protect ground-nesting birds.
The Countryside Code outlines that
dogs
must be controlled to avoid disturbing farm animals or wildlife.
Farmers are, by law, entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries
their animals.
Jenna Kiddie,
Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, continues:
"Training
has a crucial role to play and at Dog School we teach owners how to
ensure their dog walks nicely on their lead around distractions – such
as the sights,
smells and sounds of other animals. We would encourage dog owners to
visit our Dog School website for more information on training
techniques, or to book onto training classes.
"For dog owners living in rural areas, we
emphasise the importance
of habituating young puppies to livestock. This should be done gradually
and considerately so the dog and livestock alike are able to feel
positively and safe in close proximity to each other,
again with the dog always on a lead and under control.
"As a
responsible dog owner, you can also ensure that everyone is able to
enjoy countryside walks and protect wildlife by ensuring you pick up
after your dog and dispose of dog waste appropriately."
Responsible dog owners who keep their dogs on leads during nature's busy season will also be helping wildlife by:
-
Lessening the negative impacts of dog poo and urine.
-
Preventing
dogs jumping in ponds, which can disturb aquatic wildlife. Insecticides
found in dog flea treatments also pollute waterways.
-
Reducing risks to other animals, including farm livestock.
Oystercatcher photo copyright Amy Lewis (All Rights Reserved)
Meadow Pipit photo copyright Mark Hamblin (All Rights Reserved)
--------------------------
Dog ownership increased during the Covid-19 pandemic
The
Pet Food Manufacturers' Association reported in 2021 that 3.2 million
households in the UK acquired a pet since the start of the
pandemic. In 2022, it was estimated that 34% of households own dogs. It
was reported that
59% of new pet owners were 16-34 years old.
European bird declines: Do we need to rethink approaches to the management of abundant generalist predators?
Barry J. McMahon, Susan Doyle, Aimée Gray, Seán
B. A. Kelly, Steve M. Redpath
Details of local training workshops offered by
The Dog's Trust through its Dog School can be found at
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/dog-school/search/
Devon Wildlife Trust
is
the county's leading environmental charity, with more than 38,000
members. The charity manages 59 nature reserves across Devon, including a
range of beautiful landscapes such as woodlands, meadows,
wetlands and heaths. Devon Wildlife Trust relies on charitable
donations, grants and the generous support of its members and the
general public to raise more than £5million every year. Money raised is
spent maintaining our work for wildlife conservation and
education in Devon, for present and future generations. More at www.devonwildlifetrust.org
%20Amy%20Lewis.jpg "Devon Wildlife Trust asks the public to keep dogs on leads to protect nature. Oystercatcher photo copyright Amy Lewis (All Rights Reserved)")
%20Mark%20Hamblin2020VISION.jpg "Devon Wildlife Trust asks the public to keep dogs on leads to protect nature. Meadow Pipit photo copyright Mark Hamblin (All Rights Reserved)")