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Dogs can make life difficult for birds that feed, nest or roost on the ground
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AN alert has been sounded on the threat posed to wildlife by dogs.
It comes in a policy document commissioned by Green Party MP Caroline Lucas.
It states: "Dog ownership among the British people has increased substantially in recent years to nearly 9 million animals.
"Dogs are a cherished part of home life.
"Most of the British countryside is a dog-friendly environment, but while the impacts of cats on wildlife are well known, dogs also place major pressures on nature-rich areas.
"They can cause damage and disturbance to livestock, to wildlife and to some habitats, for example, rivers and lakes.
"In areas with statutory designations - national parks, AONBs, SSSIs, NNRs - dogs should be kept on a lead, especially at certain seasons or not permitted at all in some instances."
Dogs are very popular pets in the Grimsby area, but they can cause disturbance to birds - for instance, when owners allow them to chase ground-feeding birds on Cleethorpes Beach or on the RSPB reserve at Tetney Marshes.
It is not known yet if tighter controls on dogs will form part of the Green Party's official policy on the environment.
The document can be read in full at:
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Beach-feeding snow bunting seen on the beach at Cleethorpes earlier today
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