Still Need for Dog Control Signs

This afternoon proved yet again the need for a few dog control signs around the lower river. I had just got down to the island where the Swans were coming upstream, I was called by a friend that there was a dog in the river. Sure enough a dozen or so ducks rose and flew away, the dog swam across the river now heading for the Swans. Fortunately the Swans were in the water and could easily keep ahead of the dog, they swam down into the harbour and so did the dog ! The owners had parked in the maggot carpark and the dog had a field day with all the wildlife available to chase. The dog eventually tired and swam back out of the harbour to be collared by the owner at the Bailey bridge. Had the river been the size it was the other day it may have been washed out to sea.

If the swans had been standing on the island or bank, then the outcome might have been a repeat of July's attack on the pen. This merely emphasises my previous call for a few signs to be placed strategically, such as the maggot car park and near the island approaches. The signs could be polite and acceptable to everyone, like " Wildlife Area Please keep your dog under control".

This does not mean the dog has to be on a lead ! I am well aware that many people in the town have perfectly well behaved dogs that would not touch the wildlife, the signs are not intended for them. Visitors often have dogs with them and are unaware of the swans nesting site and the wildlife we have at our feet. Not everyone is gifted with common sense!