The Wildlife Trusts 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 by Wildlife Trusts. 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.  

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   

Many of The Wildlife Trusts’ 2,400 nature reserves welcome responsible dog walkers but instances of loose 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 be closed to dogs. Some beaches have cordoned-off areas to protect rare birds that nest on pebbles or in the sand.  

Joan Edwards, director of policy for The Wildlife Trusts, 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’m a dog owner but never walk her without a lead during nesting season. 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.” 

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

“A countryside dog walk is understandably popular, especially as we move into the warmer months. But owners have a responsibility to keep their dog under control, including around livestock and wildlife, to ensure they do not worry other animals or stray onto neighbouring land for everyone’s safety and wellbeing. 

“This can be managed by ensuring dogs are kept on a short lead, and close to their owners, whenever livestock are nearby, within seeing, hearing or smelling distance or whenever their presence is likely to be expected. It is important to remember that chasing is normal dog behaviour, and that any dog is capable of chasing, irrelevant of breed, type, age or size."

The impacts of loose dogs in wild places include trampling nests and scaring adults away from their young. Vulnerable chicks can perish if left alone for too long. Disturbances can also affect feeding and foraging behaviour – wildlife is less likely to breed and feed in areas where dogs are encountered.  

Wildlife Trusts have reported multiple problems with dogs chasing grazing livestock, which has resulted in the deaths of animals.  

• 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.  

Mark Dinning, Head of Conservation for Durham Wildlife Trust, said: “This is a really important time of year when birds, and all wildlife, are reproducing and we all have a responsibility to play our part in supporting nature.

“We are facing a real ecological emergency and, if we take birds as an example, we have seen very serious reductions in their numbers as a result of habitat loss through human land management practices.  Today we are to the point where the survival of some species is seriously under threat. We all have a role in allowing the numbers to begin to recover.

“It might seem like a small thing to let your dog run free across grasslands or other semi-natural habitats but it’s the cumulative effect that’s the problem, and it’s about making a compromise in the interests of nature.”

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.  

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

“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.