Nesting Season - Dogs

The nesting season is now well underway for many bird species, the ducks are now moving to their nesting sites leaving mainly single drakes on the lower reaches. The Swans too have started nesting for the 7th year on the river.
The River Nairn Swans and Waterfowl Trust would like to remind all dog owners to keep their dogs under close control especially during the breeding season April - July. Ground nesting birds like ducks and swans are particularly vulnerable, and the onus is on the dog owner to prevent their dogs from killing and injuring wildlife.

The enclosed Images were caused by dogs not under control !

Please conform to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code on dogs and dog walking. 

Duck Killed by Dog

Today I was told about a dead duck on the riverbank at the Maggot Flats. To my dismay, I found it was one of the young rescued Drakes that I released into the river a few weeks ago. It's wing was broken and Twisted, this is consistent with having been grabbed and shaken by a dog. Having despatched it to the river I was then confronted by a barking snapping black staffie, which came out of the Maggot flats straight down to the riverside. The Woman in charge kept shouting  "Theo, Theo" , the dog taking no notice continued to bark at me, this was a dog that was not under control by the owner. This incident confirms what I have said all along about clearing that riverside area, it has opened it up to uncontrolled dogs to attack the wildlife !  The wildlife are being killed and people are being intimidated by uncontrolled dogs ! In the past 10 years my own dog Millie has been attacked and bitten on three separate occasions whilst she was on the lead, it was only good fortune that it wasn't a child in the location at the time. The time has come for some sensible Signs and action to protect the wildlife on the riverside. People have to be educated about keeping their dogs under control, especially around wildlife!