Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

LOCAL residents and anyone visiting the Ainsdale Local Nature Reserve are being reminded by Sefton Council, and coastal conservation partners Natural England and Lancashire Wildlife Trust, to put dogs on a lead within areas that currently have grazing livestock on them. These areas that dogs must be on a lead within are clearly marked with signs at every entrance to the conservation area that animals are being used to help control the growth of vegetation, though grazing. The idea being that this encourages diverse plant species to grow and dune specialists such as:- natterjack toads, sand lizards, and northern tiger beetles to thrive. For a few years this has been done without incident, but recenlty 1 of the conservation sheep at Ainsdale Local Nature Reserve had to be euthanised and 2 other sheep are being treated for their injuries, while another remains unaccounted for. A vet examination of the animals confirmed the puncture wounds present on the deceased and injured sheep are consistent with a dog bite.

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:- "It is distressing to learn that animals have been injured in this way, with one still missing. This would not have been a quick death for this sheep and it would have suffered extreme distress at the time. We feel sure that no one would want these animals to suffer in this way, and so appeal to all visitors to our coastline to ensure that if they are walking their dog(s), to please keep them on a lead whilst in the enclosure and if you do spot the sheep or cattle, take a wide route around them so they are not unnecessarily disturbed. The conservation sheep and cattle are such a valuable asset to the management of this stunning landscape and should be protected and respected by visitors to our coastline."

Green Sefton’s Countryside Officer, Gordon White said:- "Each winter, we bring grazing animals onto the Local Nature Reserves to help control vegetation growth. Our team cares for these animals daily and has great concern for their welfare and wellbeing. The small herd has been with us all winter and it's shocking and sad to learn that one of them has died in this way. We have posted signs at the Reserve’s major entrance points to inform people of the presence of the animals. I would urge dog owners to keep their pets on a lead and ensure they are under control to prevent this from happening again, just as they would in any farmers' field where cows or sheep are present. We ask that if people do come across the grazing animals, they should turn and walk the other way to avoid disturbing or spooking them."

Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Head of Communications, Alan Wright, said:- "Our conservation sheep do an important job in maintaining and creating habitats for wildlife along the Sefton Coast. The work they do benefits not only nature but people who walk in those areas, so visitors need to respect this. It is so sad to hear that sheep have been attacked by dogs, and will have suffered horrible injuries and, in this case, a painful and terrifying death. I wonder if the owner of the dog or dogs involved realises the damage their pet has done? I am sure they would be upset if they were given the details. If dog walkers see sheep grazing close to where they are walking they must keep their pets under control. And it is important to remember that spring is close by so there may be nesting or young birds in these areas, so dogs should really be on leads."

Merseyside Police have said that:- "Visitors to areas with livestock should call:- 999 immediately if they witness an active dog attack and, if they see dogs worrying livestock. we also ask that people follow the:- 'Countryside Code' and familiarise themselves with Sefton's Coastal and Visitor Areas Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) - a list of activities that aren't allowed to protect our sensitive environment and ensure everyone has a good time at our coast."