Avon Wildlife Trust are urging dog owners to keep their pets on short leads, particularly when 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. A study by The Wildlife Trusts found that dogs off leads were responsible for 40% of wildlife disturbances in nature reserves, in comparison to just 5% by dogs on leads.

Dogs can also be a threat to sheep, cows and other grazing livestock, with regular problems reported on nature reserves cared for by Avon 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  

Bernie D’Arcy, Head of Nature Reserves at Avon Wildlife Trust, said:

“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 spring through to the end of summer when many species are breeding.

“To animals such as birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and reptiles, the mere smell of a dog can mark out an area as ‘unsafe’, disrupting their ability to feed, breed and survive.

“They can also pose a threat to the grazing livestock who are on some of our nature reserves and are vital to the way we manage these spaces for the benefit of wildlife.

“Dog poo is also a big issue, both with it being left on the ground and with people leaving bags tied to trees or bushes. It’s toxic for animals and can disrupt our beautiful wildflowers’ ability to flourish.

“If you do walk your dog on one of our nature reserves where this is permitted, please keep them on a short lead.

“Wildlife has so little space remaining in the UK, making it vital that we protect what we have and keep disturbance to a minimum on our reserve.”

Avon Wildlife Trust has seen multiple problems with dogs chasing grazing livestock, which has resulted in the deaths of animals.

Frankie Clinch, Nature Reserve Officer at Avon Wildlife Trust, shares what she’s experienced at the Walton Common nature reserve:

“With livestock grazing on Walton Common year-round, it is imperative that dogs are kept under very close control or on a lead.

“On numerous occasions when I have been on the reserve I have seen dogs allowed to run across the reserve wherever they please, seemingly under little to no control from the owner.

“The cattle on the Common are quite docile, however this could make them more vulnerable to attacks from dogs, as they generally aren’t as wary and therefore won’t necessarily move away if a dog comes running towards them.

“I also never visit the site without seeing at least one bag of dog poo left on the side of the path – usually multiple!

“Walton Common is an extremely valuable habitat for birds and small mammals, and dogs can cause a huge amount of disturbance to local wildlife if they run through areas of woodland and scrub, especially during breeding season."

Fern Elias-Stagg is also a Nature Reserve Officer for the Trust, and adds:

“At our Hellenge Hill nature reserve in the Mendips, I’ve noticed many more people walking their dogs off the lead. This is another nature reserve which is grazed by livestock for part of the year and the presence of dogs off of the lead poses a significant threat to them.

“There is a designated public footpath, clearly signposted with signs that ask people to keep their dogs on leads, but sadly the majority of people I see are not sticking to the footpath or keeping their dogs on a lead, and seemingly not taking their dog poo with them.

“Dog poo contains highly concentrated nutrients from ingredients that you would not normally find occurring in natural environments. These added nutrients over time will have a real negative impact on the soil, enriching it and enabling competitive flora to get established, out-competing our sensitive wildflower populations.”

The law states you must keep your dog on a lead no longer than two metres between 1^st March and 31^st July when on any open access land to protect ground-nesting birds.  The Countryside Code also outlines that dogs must be controlled to avoid disturbing farm animals or wildlife.

Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, says:

“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 can pollute waterways. 
• Reducing risks to other animals, including farm livestock.