‘Give animals extra peace and space’. Nature managers make this call now that the breeding season has arrived. Their message is particularly addressed to dog owners. Some of them would not always take it so closely with the rules.
Nature organizations such as Natuurmonumenten, Staatsbosbeheer and LandschapsNL emphasize that it is important to keep dogs on a lead. Only then will animals be at least disturbed during mating, breeding or taking care of their young.
A poll among more than a thousand Dutch people shows that two thirds keep their dog on a lead. The remaining part does not do that consistently. Of the people with a dog, 35 percent loses that in nature sometimes or regularly for a while.
That can be problematic for other animals, Natuurmonumenten explains. “Roe deer and hares, for example, fling if there is a threat.” If they then run a road in a panic, it can end fatally. Another risk is that birds leave their nest out of fear, making eggs cold and cannot get out. “So dog owners, give young animals a chance to survive and keep your dog close,” is the request of the foresters of the organization.
According to the poll, people who recreate on the water, for example, by swimming or sailing, do not always realize that they can disturb animals like reed birds. “Almost two in five say that the behavior does not adjust in the breeding season. That is mainly due to ignorance.”
With a campaign ‘maternity room of nature’, the managers want to make people more aware of the importance of good behavior in nature. In addition to leasing dogs, that means staying on the paths and not letting any waste lying around.