BB FINAL - Flipbook - Page 16
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16
Lending a paw to help the environment
Barked by Maisie - Guest Barker
Hi – Maisie, the Cairn Terrier here!
Like me and my turbocharged nose, my
human’s into poo. Unlike me though, he’s
more of a looker than a sniffer or roller not just dog poo but bird, badger, cow,
otter, sheep etc. You name it, he’s
found it, photographed it and got the
T-shirt! Apparently it helps him do
his job – rather than just being weird.
He’s a qualified dogologist and works
for the Kennel Club, local councils
and wildlife charities helping them be
dog-friendly, while also protecting
wildlife and farm animals. He does ok but
there are lots of ways we canines can also
help protect our dog walks and the
environment.
Here are my tips for happy, healthy, hassle-free dog walks:-
Play makes perfect: this is THE BEST thing
Like any dog, but especially a terrier like me, if I’m bored I’ll
just follow my nose, which can get me into soooo much trouble
by sniffing out wildlife, sheep and cows. Getting your human
to play with you on walkies (and not just yap, yap yapping away
to each other, or nattering on their pawphones) keeps us
interested and out of danger. Fetching safe toys (no sticks please
– as they can be deadly) or sniffing out dog treats hidden in the
sand and behind trees keeps me busy and safe.
Keep clear of wildlife and farm animals
Norfolk is a great place for people, dogs and seeing sooo much
wildlife and we can help keep it that way. Ensure your human
prevents you from following your instincts and going up to, let
alone chasing, any animals or birds at any time of year; get them
to clip on your lead if need be.
In spring and summer rare birds nest on the ground, and in
winter seabirds can get really tired and hungry looking for food.
Going near the birds will cause them to fly off, using up their
valuable energy making it even harder for them to survive.
Look out for signs that help you avoid the most sensitive times
and places.
Take extra care around farm animals like sheep and cows by
always clipping on the lead, so the farmer sees you are being
responsible. However, tell your human to release you if you feel
threatened by cattle so you can get to safety separately. Always
go around groups of cows, not between them.
Poo: never leave it behind
There’s nothing more likely to get all us dogs a bad name and
have us banned from places than leaving our poo behind, even
in a bag - that means don’t leave it anywhere including paths,
parks, beaches, marshes, woods, verges, fields, by crops and
riverbanks.
Train your human to always remove your poo to
protect the environment and avoid a fine. Any
public waste bin will do for bagged dog poo
(See how I made that rhyme? #Maisierocks!).
Even better pop it in the home composting
system that really can make your poo smell
like roses!
Doggie-doo fact: poo is least
dangerous to human health when it’s just
come out of your bum, so picking it up
straight away is the safest thing to do.
Leaving it behind on the ground or in a
bag gives time for the infectious worms to
grow that can cause blindness.
Stay alert on pawtrol
You don’t need to be a police dog to help protect the
countryside. Dog walkers are great at noticing when
there’s something wrong. Quickly reporting your concerns can
help stop environmental crime and bring the baddies to justice,
so put the numbers below in your human’s phone. Never put
yourself in danger though as the criminals involved can turn
very nasty, so just take notes and photographs as best as you
can without attracting attention (don’t touch – it could destroy
evidence).
Groups of men out with greyhounds and lurchers could be
chasing hares which is illegal and cruel. It’s fine to call 999 if
you see it happening, as human life can also be at risk – ask for
the rural crime team or wildlife officer. Non-urgent information
should be passed to the police on 101.
If you find dead birds of prey or other animals that might have
been illegally poisoned phone 0800 321 600.
If you spot pollution of land, rivers or streams (like lots of
dead fish) call the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.
Fly-tipping is also a crime. Report it anonymously to
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Follow the Dog Walking Code
Humans forget stuff, unlike me who remembers everything
including where I buried all my bones, so it’s a good thing that
there is a great guide to having happy, healthy dog walks they
can download for free at: www.dogwalkingcode.org.uk.
Though for me, just remembering to “leave only pawprints”
is simple enough for any human to understand.
Keep your tails a-wagging and that poo a-bagging!
Woofs
#Maisie!
To find out more about Maisie’s human’s work go to
www.sjacm.co.uk