No Dogs Allowed at RSPB Reserve

[WoodNymph]

Dogs are not allowed at my local RSPB Reserve (Coombes Valley, Staffs). I understand the reasoning behind this, ground nesting birds etc. Obviously, some people just do not understand that keeping your dog on a lead means just that but don't they just spoil it for the rest of us.

It's such a beautiful place and I'm really missing out but let's face it, I'm not going to go walking without my dog.

Think I may e-mail them just to see what kind of response I get.

[bendog]

I think it is very sad that so many places are not open to dogs. Often this is because of the selfish/poor behaviour of other dog owners. Our oldest dog (about 15 years old - not sure exactly as he is a Battersea Dog) who has just had an operation to remove a large lump from his leg just loves swimming in the sea. At this time of year (and until the end of September), it is difficult to find a beach where we can go with him. Having 3 dogs, Ben who is a border collie/labrador (15), Sam who is a border collie/ cocker spaniel (totally mad 5 year old) and Jasper who is a BIG German Shepherd (4 years old) we like to find places where we can all go.

[John]

I sympathise too as we have two dogs, a Golden retriever and an Alsation x Collie. They both love coming everywhere with us but I have to tailor my holidays in the UK to where I can go with my dogs, and likewise where I can take them at weekends.

I don't think you will change anything with the RSPB as they are more family orientated sites in the main and dog mess is not the sort of thing that families want to come across. Bird protection is another factor and some owners not only allow their dogs to foul the paths but don't stop them when they forage in the undergrowth and disturb any birds.

John

[Tormentil]

I agree with the RSPBs' (and other wildlife trusts), policy of no dogs . Dogs bark and I would not be too chuffed if the barking of a dog or dogs disturbed anything I was watching.

[John]

Originally Posted by Tormentil

I agree with the RSPBs' (and other wildlife trusts), policy of no dogs . Dogs bark and I would not be too chuffed if the barking of a dog or dogs disturbed anything I was watching.

I wouldn't want to get into an argument about this but on a lot of RSPB sites you are in more danger from disturbance by humans, (noisy children etc) than you would be by barking dogs.

The health and safety aspect I can understand (fouling footpaths where the owner doesn't clear up after them) and disturbance of birds by loose dogs I can also understand but not the reasons you have stated. That is selfish.

If we are to follow that route all dogs would be banned wherever you went as they would be in danger of disturbing your enjoyment. As a dog owner myself I resent that.

Remember, birds are very resilient when it comes to that type of disturbance. A barking dog would not disturb the birds if that dog was under control. A barking dog running around like a loose cannon is a different matter. That would be the same whether it be on a reserve or open countryside.

On that basis are you saying that dogs should be banned from the open countryside.

John

[Gill Catton]

I think more that Tormentil meant that he'd have the same frustration when the wader he was squinting at was put up by a barking dog in the vicinity before proper ID as he probably would as a bunch of kids trooping noisily passed (and lets face it - it is frustrating when that happens). It's important that the kids are there even if a bit noisy so that they get a feel for the countryside and the good quality and range of wildlife that you find on a reserve - dog's don't really need to be there - not when there's plenty of other countryside to walk them on? I don't think anyone is saying dog's should be kept out of the countryside (although having said that I'll bet there is a minority.... )

I was recently on a reserve big 'keep dogs on leads' sign on the gate a couple walked through the gate with two terriers - instantly let off the lead.......

I was recently on a Special Protection Area when two women walked past with seven (yes seven) english setters off the lead which proceeded to run riot through the ditches on the grazing marsh putting up a swan - please god it wasn't on a nest.... (this was in May). If I had been braver I would have caught them up and said something.... (god I wish I was braver!)

How can you allow dogs on reserves when some people clearly don't care about the wildlife or the rules - it must just be easier to say no dogs.....

[life through a lens]

I did actually have words with someone recently who let their dog run into a shallow scrape at a nearby reserve despite being stood next to a sign stating that dogs weren't allowed in the water

I ended up on the end of a torrent of abuse with the person ending up asking how they were meant to stop the dog doing what it wanted. I kindly pointed out the lead in her hand and offered to call 118118 to find a local obedience class. Didn't go down to well judging from all the effing and jeffing but she did get the dog out

Olly

[paulthomas]

I must confess that I find the notion of taking pets to nature reserves utterly bizzare. If I had a budgie I don't think i'd feel the urge to take it with me so why dog owners feel the need is a mystery to me I have to say, after a year of regularly visiting our local nature reserve, that the RSPB have got it right. The dog owners who visit Croxall do so only so their precious pooches can use it as toilet. Almost all of them totally ignore the rule about their dogs being on a short lead and keeping to the main track and I've yet to see one clear up their dog's mess.

[pheonix]

I totally agree with the points on not taking dogs where you can't and keeping them on leads, rules is rules.
What relly annoys me is people that cant control their dogs in any situation, and comments like how am i supposed stop him from doing what it wants - TRAIN IT!!
My family have always had dogs and they are taught to do what we say when we say it, yes it takes time and effort but you have a far better relationship with your pet than always being stressed with it.
And i'd like to say a dog acting on instincts isn't doing anything wrong - its the owners responcibility to control the dog.

OK rant over...

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by paulthomas

I must confess that I find the notion of taking pets to nature reserves utterly bizzare. If I had a budgie I don't think i'd feel the urge to take it with me so why dog owners feel the need is a mystery to me I have to say, after a year of regularly visiting our local nature reserve, that the RSPB have got it right. The dog owners who visit Croxall do so only so their precious pooches can use it as toilet. Almost all of them totally ignore the rule about their dogs being on a short lead and keeping to the main track and I've yet to see one clear up their dog's mess.

Presumably you wouldn't take said budgie out for walks at all though. Which is what dog owners do every day and a reserve must just seem like a nice place to walk (which it is)...