skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Today I found one of our Mallard Drakes dead beside the Merryton bridge. By all accounts it seems to have been a dog attack with paw prints around the carcase.
The nesting season is now underway and it is common for ducks and drakes to be scouting the riverbank for possible nesting sites. The Drakes hang around the area and are sometimes slow to move particularly if they are under a tree and unable to take off easily, this one was under a tree.
I have consistently asked some dog owners to keep their dogs under close control, especially at this time of year through until July at least. The Scottish outdoor access code stipulates this advice.
Some people are determined to ignore this advice and will be reported to the Dog warden and the Police if spotted by Trust members.
One such woman consistently allows her dog to chase the birds, in spite being asked time and again not to allow it to do so. The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust exists to protect the river birds. The vast majority of dog owners are no problem, but some couldn't care less about other species. Fifty per cent of Scottish birds are ground nesting and will not leave their nest when sitting on eggs, even when the threat to them can be fatal.
The Trust only asks that dog owners keep a wary eye on their dogs, and keep them close by in an area where wildlife abounds.
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 !
One of our Trust members was aghast yesterday at the sight of a dog running amok trying to catch nesting ducks on the river. The woman owner was jogging and did not have the dog under control.
This was close to the Swans island and fortunately the swans where elsewhere, otherwise it could have been a tragedy. There is no excuse for out of control dogs, and the trust will pass details to the dog warden and Police. It is an offence for a dog to be out of control in a public place.
