Blue Cross Urge Dog Owners to Use Leads and Keep Livestock Safe
Animal charity Blue Cross are asking dog owners to lead by example and consider other animals whilst out walking this Spring.
Last year saw an increase in the number of reported dog attacks on livestock, with one attack in Surrey within the last month.
New research by Blue Cross found that even though 42% of dog owners agreed that dog should be kept on leads around livestock, only 25% actually do so.
It also found that 70% have also witnessed someone else's dog out of control, which poses a threat to other wildlife, including small animals and rodents, as well as livestock.
Last year the Animal Welfare Bill proposed to improve welfare standards of certain animals in Great Britain, which proposed giving police the power to protect livestock from out of control and dangerous dogs.
Blue Cross are hoping that the bill can be extended to protect wild animals such as squirrels, rabbits and deer from the same harm that dogs can pose.
Ryan Neile is Head of Behaviour at Blue Cross who studies animal genetics, history, present circumstances and environment, to understand the behaviour pets present.
He said:
"Recall is a lifesaving skill that you can teach a dog, but you cannot rely on it 100% of the time.
"This is a really difficult time of the year because there's so much going on outside and a lot of us are starting to walk now earlier in the mornings and there's there's baby squirrels, there's bunnies, there's baby deer, and these animals are really vulnerable.
"Our dogs that might chase them to have fun, but we'll be putting them through an extremely stressful experience and we're urging people just be aware of that.
"Is that right? We don't think so. Training is an ongoing process with animals. I have a dog, she will chase under the right circumstances, so we don't let her off the lead at that at those times.
"And being on the lead isn't really the end of the world for dogs. You know, there's a lot that you can do with them when they're under that kind of control to give them a happy, fulfilling walk and of course, when you do that, you're safeguarding the wildlife."
Blue Cross are trying to make dog owners aware of the stress that dogs being off lead can pose to livestock, wild animals and farmers, which they hope will encourage people to be more aware of their dogs behaviours and surroundings.
Keeping dogs on leads also prevents the trauma for both the dog and their owner if they become out of control.
March marks the beginning of Spring, which also signifies lambing season. Blue Cross are hoping that their advice will encourage dog owners to keep them on leads around livestock.