Gone to the dogs!

Yes interesting😁 Some National Trust properties now have zoned dog areas, No dogs, Dogs on Lead, and Off lead if well behaved. It’s a good idea.

Yes, but I do believe owners need to take more action themselves to limit the damage to the environment, habitats and wildlife generally, not just on reserves and parks but everywhere in the countryside. Many of us do but unfortunately I still see pets running wild where creatures are raising their young or are just simply trying to live out their lives without the unnecessary disturbance caused.

There was a recent case of calves aborting due to dog excretia not being picked up. One farmer lost nearly 20 calves this way. I can't find that report but found another one going back a couple of years from Denbighshire. I remember reading about it in local news.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-43632762

Makes your point Micky. I do suspect this thread to have a short life though.

In my view only a very small percentage of dog owners are irresponsible but unfortunately it only takes that small number to spoil it for the majority. While on holiday I have noticed that a few small parks and gardens have banned dogs even if on a lead.

Last week we were walking in a park that has notices stating “dogs must be on a lead” but one lady was actually letting her Lurcher chase squirrels.

Time was when a modest proportion of the population owned a dog. For most one was enough, they cherished it and took the time and effort to train it. Dog nuisance was very low key. Nowadays dog ownership is huge, many have two, three or more dogs for whatever reason, The core of responsible owners is still in there, but they’ve been joined by too many others who don’t have the wherewithal or commitment to train and look after dogs properly. For them a dog is a fashion accessory, replacement child, kids toy or even a weapon in some cases - it  seemed like a good idea at the time. They are responsible for a multitude of problems from nuisance barking to fouling to worrying livestock to killing indigenous wildlife to attacks on humans. Reminding owners of their responsibilities is likely to be preaching to the converted.

It would be a sad day if someone cut this tread short. As the article point out it is the few who spoil it and cause the needless damage and we, as responsible owners need to help educate them! 

I quote, “Dog-owning birders should lead by example at any sites with wildlife value and talk to other dog walkers about impacts. In my experience such conversations from within 'peer groups' can be more likely to engender change in behaviour than those coming from non-dog owners.”