Dogs pose a considerable risk to birds such as penguins and kiwi in New Zealand. There have been many instances of birds being killed and occasionally there has been a massacre of a large number of these precious birds by one or two dogs. Often the problem is not that the dogs are out with owners and off the leash but that the dogs are allowed to roam from the property and owners have no notion of where their dogs may be or what they may be doing.
For some owners, sadly, they see this as their absolute right.
Within the CBSM fora there is some discussion of keeping dogs on a leash in conservation areas and of dealing with pet waste, but I'd be very interested to learn about any projects that have addressed the issue of keeping dogs contained on private property.
Also, if there have been any more projects to keep dogs on a leash, without the need for enforcement staff to conduct patrols, I'd love to hear about them.
Thank you!
Inger Perkins
Ms
West Coast Penguin Trust
New Zealand
Keeping Dogs Secure at Home
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Thank you Alice!
That makes lots of sense and in fact we have tried teaming up with our local animal protection agency, the SPCA, for one awareness event and we see lots of potential to do more with them. They also manage dog control for the Local Authority, so they're a perfect partner.
I'm also keen to find out if anyone has used the CBSM 5 step tool to better understand why people allow their dogs to roam and what they did to manage it where it was an issue.
Thank you again
Inger
Inger Perkins
Ms
West Coast Penguin Trust
New Zealand
www.bluepenguin.org.nz
Hi Inger
I am finally getting going with the project to stop pet owners taking their dogs onto the pest-free islands in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Some of the intended species reintroduction work will be affected if we cannot guarantee that these islands are no-dog zones. Takahe, for example are unlikely to be reintroduced. As with your project I am trying to find out the barriers and benefits associated with dog owner behaviour. Have you come across anything in your reading that might be helpful? This summer we will be gathering baseline data on the incidence of dogs being landed on the islands to try and determine which kinds of boats and where they come from, hopefully this will help when we come to identifying the barriers and benefits through focus group and other survey work.
Thanks Helen
Helen Ough Dealy
Department of Conservation
New Zealand
Hi Helen,
I'm afraid this project has taken a back seat for the Trust for now while I focus on fundraising, but you could try Dr Euan Kennedy (DOC Christchurch) and Lionel Solly (DOC Nelson) who are both trialling or preparing to trial the CBSM method. Lionel has written a great report including applying the CBSM structure to dog owner behaviour. (see docdm 1340207 and have a chat to him!).
all the best, and let me know how you get on
Inger
PS great to see sustainability in the DG's top 5 priorities!
Inger Perkins
Ms
West Coast Penguin Trust
New Zealand
www.bluepenguin.org.nz
Thanks Inger
Shame about your project and thanks for the contact with Lionel and Euan.
All the best
Helen
Helen Ough Dealy
Department of Conservation
New Zealand
Perhaps you should work with dog rescue agencies, since your goal is essentially the same -- keeping dogs secure at home.
I work with several dog rescue agencies here in the USA, and we see issues ranging from dogs tied on a chain 24/7 in all kinds of weather and not allowed into the house, to dogs simply let to roam, where they get into trouble, or are hit by cars and trucks. Either way, it's not safe or healthy for them.
Working with rescue agencies will allow you to advance your goals, and will appeal to those who have the dogs' safety in mind. It could be a win-win.
Alice La Pierre
City of Berkeley
United States