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The first ducklings of the year were seen yesterday in Town heading for the riverside.
This is an opportune time to remind Dog owners that birds will be hatching over the next 3 or 4 months, and to be aware that ducks and swans are vulnerable ground nesting birds.
I realise I'm not popular with some dog owners for reminding them of their responsibilities to the Scottish outdoor access code, which states that dogs should be kept under close control when near areas with ground nesting birds.
Under close control does not always mean that your dog should be on a lead, BUT if your dog is prone to hunting or chasing birds then it makes sense to keep them on a lead when near wildlife.
Like all creatures ducks and Swans will stay with their young to try and protect them, making them vulnerable to fatal dog attacks.
These are some of the photos that cost the life and injuries to our wildlife. Please take care when out with your dogs !
Holiday time increases the danger to swans and other wildlife due to people pastimes - like fishing. Discarded or lost fishing tackle is a real threat at this time of year, and many swans and ducks end up dead or injured after swallowing hooks and line.
A timely reminder is on the Scottish SPCA website , their concerns are exactly the same here regarding tackle and out of control dogs. If you take your kids fishing, make sure they dispose of fishing tackle safely, and do not leave lines unattended. There are dozens of vulnerable birds on the river at present, due to moulting and immature birds that cannot fly.
This makes it even more important that dogs are kept under close control near river wildlife.
