Unsupervised dogs can unintentionally trigger hurt to ground-nesting birds equivalent to skylarks, lapwings, meadow pipits and woodcock, in addition to different birds equivalent to robins and dunnocks that nest near the bottom, so it’s vital that they’re stored underneath management.
Springtime brings with it the arrival of thrilling migratory guests which have travelled 1000’s of miles to nest at nature reserves all through the UK.
Many of those birds nest on or near the bottom, the place they’re significantly vulnerable to disturbance from dogs. This can result in them abandoning their nests and dropping their eggs or chicks. Some hen species are already struggling, and disturbance by dogs could make it even tougher for them to outlive.
Off-lead dogs have additionally been identified to go for the occasional sudden swim in ponds, rivers and different waterbodies. These areas are home to wildlife that dogs can disturb, equivalent to voles, otters and newts, and there may be additionally a threat of your pet getting injured. Dogs may additionally pollute waterbodies with chemical substances utilized in flea therapies – these will be extraordinarily dangerous to aquatic life.
Becky Dennison, Reserve Assistant, stated: “Grass Wood nature reserve is a popular and special site with lots of wonderful wildlife, but it includes some very sensitive species including song birds that can easily be disturbed by dogs.
“Nesting and fledgling birds are particularly vulnerable to disturbance – the eggs of the willow warbler are so tiny that they can be snaffled up or crushed in a moment without the owner noticing, and scaring a bird away from its eggs in poor or cold weather can lead to the eggs or chicks chilling to death very quickly.
“We implore everyone to please keep your dogs on leads, especially in spring when wildlife is at its most vulnerable; please do not allow them to run through the woodland undergrowth and out of sight or there is a very real risk that our spring woodlands could fall silent from much of their most beautiful birdsong.”
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has additionally recorded a number of issues with dogs chasing grazing livestock, together with two in 2023: one of many Trust’s Hebridean sheep was attacked at Stirley nature reserve close to Huddersfield, requiring intensive medical intervention, and pregnant ewes had been chased by off-lead dogs at Kilnsea Wetlands close to Spurn.
Responsible canine house owners will help wildlife in the event that they:
- Keep dogs on brief leads on nature reserves and within the wider countryside. Allowing dogs to fret livestock is in opposition to the legislation, underneath The Animal Welfare Bill.
- Only go to reserves with dogs underneath management the place they’re permitted and at all times maintain to paths. Nature reserves are uncommon locations the place wildlife is given the precedence.
- Clean up after animals and eliminate canine waste in bins or at home. Dog waste is harmful for wildlife as it may well carry ailments, scare away animals and will increase vitamins in soils above wholesome ranges, affecting the pure steadiness of fragile habitats.
- Prevent dogs leaping in ponds; this may disturb aquatic wildlife, and pesticides present in canine flea therapies pollute waterways and kill wildlife too.
Dr Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, stated: “Dogs enrich our lives, but they also bring a level of responsibility. 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.”
