The following article highlights the struggle to be a responsible dog owner.
A journal dedicated to wildlife conservation in the Pacific Region has published the following research about the impact of dog ownership on wildlife. This information is essential to responsible dog owners, who are also concerned about the wildlife in our fragile ecological system. The key findings are that the dogs within waterways or on beaches, even on leash, are disruptive to shore birds, and if they leave any urine or faeces behind, they continue to have a detrimental impact. Responsible dog owners or people considering pets will want to understand these things.
A second article published by the Guardian addresses the need for dog owners to understand their pets’ impact on the environment. Current studies indicate that “the environmental impact of owned dogs is far greater, more insidious, and more concerning than is generally recognized.”
Reference Materials
- Gone to the Dogs Man’s best friend is a shorebird’s worst enemy. What will it take to control beach dogs—and, more importantly, their owners?
- FMDPS Holistic Dog Review Request.pdf
- Saanich Pound Report.pdf
- Animal Control Complaint Form
- Dogs as agents of disturbance, study by Weston and Stankowich. (The median distance for flight response of wild animals, including all wildlife in the park, is 100m when walking a dog, on or off leash)
- Role of Pets in Human Disease, HealthLink BC, role of feces and urine in outbreaks of E. Coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Yersinia, Toxoplasma, etc.
- Understanding the Ecological Impacts of Dogs in Natural Areas.
- Environmental Protection Tribunal of Canada ruling on dogs of leash in Cadboro Bay Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
