Reminder to dog owners

Sunday 12 November 2023

Dog owners are being reminded to keep their dogs under control, amid the continued decline of bird numbers in one part of the island which has a voluntary year round dog ban.

Dog owners are also being asked to ensure they pick up their pet's waste as it's been noted that can be more of a problem during the darker winter months.

A States spokesperson said that it's acknowledged it can be easy to lose track of dogs while walking them in the darker mornings and evenings, so it is important to keep them close to their waste can be picked up.

Failing to do so risks the owner facing a £100 fine.

Julia Henney, Senior Natural Environment Officer, said it's also important that dog owners continue to honour the voluntary dog ban at the Richmond end of Vazon.

“Richmond has historically been one of the most important sites for over wintering and wading birds on the island with large numbers from a variety of species congregating there," she said.

Pictured: Some data published by the States this week regarding bird numbers.

"Unfortunately, these birds are particularly vulnerable to disturbance and we have seen steep declines in their populations. The main source of disturbance at Richmond is that caused by dogs chasing and putting birds to flight causing them to expend energy reserves which they need to get through the harder winter months.

"It’s with this in mind that we ask that dog owners refrain from walking their dogs on the Richmond end of Vazon to try and alleviate some of the pressures on the birds and hopefully allow those populations to recuperate.”

Dogs are banned from Lihou and the Lihou causeway all year round.

That is another area where wading bird species such as the Turnstone and Dunlin have been found but there has been a decline in numbers locally of over 90% since the 1980’s.

Ms Henney said that giving birds space to feed is important in helping to decrease pressures on the populations.