Dog owners urged to keep pets under control around wildlife

A LOCAL resident is urging dog owners to be more responsible when walking their dogs around wildlife.

After witnessing two incidents in the last week involving a dog chasing a flock of swans, the resident is encouraging owners to keep their dog on a leash if they are unable to control them.

They said, “During this lockdown I have taken several walks along the footpaths which we have by the River Avon.  Twice in the past week I have witnessed owners letting their dogs chase a flock of swans which were grazing in the fields.  

“During the first instance the flock was split and one nearly fully grown cygnet was separated onto the Avon, whereas the main flock flew into another field in the other direction.  

“During this, the owner made no effort to recall the dog and seemed to ignore the whole episode.  Later in the week I was walking up to the Packhorse Bridge and saw a dead cygnet in the river.  I am not saying these events are related, but at the time, the swans were obviously distressed. Today I saw the same dogs chase the swans again, and they flew up and landed on the river for safety.  If this had been a herd of sheep, the farmer would have been allowed to shoot the dog, but unfortunately wildlife does not have the same protection. 

“Please dog owners if you know your dog is liable to chase either farm animals or wildlife, put it on a lead until you have moved past.  

“We should revel in the fact that we have a beautiful river, with all its attendant wildlife, flowing through our town and not allow either animals or humans to harass them.  

“It will soon be nesting time for the swans and if they have young, the cob would defend them with his life and the dogs may come off second best. I don’t want to see any animals hurt be they wildlife or domesticated.”