https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/warning-after-dog-snake-bite-winterton-norfolk-8802324
Its quite simple, as I commented on below the EDP article:
Generally, if you have your dog on a short lead and you are paying
attention to the area around you, this will not happen and in any case,
all dogs should be on a lead in Spring time (nesting season), when ground nesting birds
such as Skylarks are nesting in the dunes/grass anyway. Dogs off lead
can innocently trample over nests, eggs or chicks and you as the owner wouldn't
even know they had done this if they are off the lead. An Adder will
not strike out/bite something far bigger than itself such as a dog, cat
or human etc unless it is provoked, stood on, attacked or threatened.
Remember we as humans and our pets are on their territory, not the other
way round. What would you do if something at least twenty times bigger
than yourself was towering over you in a threatening manner or trying to
prod you? You would defend yourself of course! I feel sorry for the Adders and all the other wildlife that is disturbed by dogs off lead.
Time for change, all dogs should be on lead in public, our already diminishing wildlife and farm animals would be saved, and people wouldn't be terrorised by dogs bounding up to them with nashing teeth, aggressive barking, jumping up etc – the usual reply from the distant owners shouting is "he won't hurt you, he's just excited and being friendly". Norfolk has very sadly become overrun with dogs, FAR too many. As a naturalist I wouldn't dream of going to Wells or Holkham at the weekend – both places are excellent for finding migrants and rare birds, but the huge number of off lead dogs out of control, barking and owners shouting at them all day long, completely ruins the solitude of our beautiful county. I could go on...... plastic bags of dog excrement slung on the paths, vegetation and hung on bushes, looks so beautiful.... not!!!
The EDP reported on the 9th April:
The mother's comments about not knowing there were venomous snakes in the UK, just shows how out of touch people are with nature. The EDP stated the Adder 'attacked', no it didn't attack, it was defending itself. Very unfortunate for the little boy, he must have been terrified – sounds like he's on the mend though.
Posts
I totally agree. We are overrun with dogs in Sheringham.
ReplyDeleteHi Penny,
ReplyDeleteWe have the same problem in Hampshire,The new Forest ,once a haven of solitude and great birdwatching has become a glorified dog walking park.
Many owners with two of more dogs all off the lead.
Sadly I have stopped going there,the problem has
Become much worse as families have taken on a dog since Covid started
Totally agree with you Penny! Dogs(& their owners) are the bain of all wildlife lovers lives. The law is too soft..more fines needed, or 'dog free zones!'
ReplyDeleteTotally agree!
ReplyDeleteTotal agree Penny, and why is it that some owners don't think they need to bag up the excrement when the dogs are in wild areas.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with dogs not being allowed off-lead in sensitive areas. However it seems that Penny is anti-dog. Please don't forget the joy and companionship that they bring to many people and families.
ReplyDeleteTo many, me included, dogs are great 'life enhancers' as much to me as my enjoyment of observing the natural environment.
I've seen much bird disturbance caused by some poorly behaved Twitchers either flushing or running around looking for a 'tick'.
Not anti-dog at all, there are simply far too many and far too many off lead and out of control, which is not the dogs fault!!! In my community job I get to see several dogs who are gorgeous and one of my neighbours has a lovely friendly dog too.
DeleteI really don't understand the logic of dog owners who pick up the dog mess in a bag and then throw it into the bushes. If you're going to do that it would be better not to pick it up at all. Your blog appear to imply that it is lack of understanding which causes dog owners to allow thier wildlife terrifying beast to run free, I personally believe in the majority of instances it us more like lack of caring! To my mind a ban of dogs in any wildlife sensitive area would not be a bad thing...
ReplyDelete