Kent Wildlife Trust are 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 loose dogs 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 or managed by Kent Wildlife Trust. Dog waste, too, is dangerous for wildlife as it can carry diseases, scare away animals and fertilise soils, affecting the natural balance of fragile habitats.
Whilst hundreds of people walk their dogs on nature reserves in Kent every week, in 2022 a member of staff was victim to a dog attack and 13 sheep were killed by an out of control dog.
Reserves in South Swale (Seasalter), West Blean and Thornden Woods, Queendown Warren and Sandwich and Pegwell Bay were the most impacted sites by dogs off the lead.
Dog owners can help wildlife if they:
- Keep dogs on short leads on nature reserves and in 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 Kent Wildlife Trust’s reserves welcome responsible dog walkers but instances of dogs disturbing wildlife and livestock have led the charities to issue a plea ahead of spring.
Wild places with particularly sensitive habitats or species may also be closed to dogs. Some beaches have cordoned-off areas to protect rare birds that nest on pebbles or in the sand.
Simon Bateman-Brown Head of Land Management, Kent Wildlife Trust, says: “It’s great that so many people benefit from enjoying beautiful natural areas while out walking their dogs, but we urge responsibility. Wildlife is suffering huge declines and dogs in wild places can cause problems, especially from February through to the end of summer when many species are breeding.
“I would ask people to ensure their dog is always on a lead whilst being walked in a nature reserve, they follow their instinct and will naturally run off and sniff out interesting smells. Unfortunately, these smells are often the animals that call the reserves home and dogs are scaring them off and chasing them away. Someone walking their dog may not even realise this has happened.
“It’s not only the impact on ground-nesting birds, but other wildlife including amphibians and mammals can be affected, as well as grazing livestock.
“Most dog owners are animal lovers would be devastated to know their pet has prevented rare birds from breeding or chased a terrified pregnant ewe who later lost their lamb. These incidents are preventable by taking the simple step of putting a dog on the lead.”
Wildlife Trusts have reported multiple problems with dogs chasing grazing livestock, which has resulted in the deaths of animals.
- In 2022 Kent Wildlife Trust reported eight dog attacks on staff or livestock to Kent Police.
- 13 sheep were killed as a result of a dog attack on Kent Wildlife Trust nature reserves.
- Kent Wildlife Trust will shoot a dog that is in the process of attacking livestock.
Elsewhere in the UK Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust found that dogs off leads were responsible for 40% of wildlife disturbances compared to 5% by dogs on leads. They reported multiple problems of dogs being out-of-control, including injuring livestock and chasing people.
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.
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 can pollute waterways
- Reducing risks to other animals, including farm livestock