ONTARIO -- The Conservancy of Canada has some helpful tips for being responsible nature lovers.
When dogs rove off-leash, they can harm species, crush eggs and nests, or even come nose to nose with wild coyotes. In spring and summer, otherwise known as tick season, opportunistic ticks can latch onto roaming pets for a meal and then transfer them to humans, increasing the risk of catching Lyme disease. You can reduce risk by keeping dogs on their leash and out of the tall grassy areas on your walk.
“Our staff consists of many dog owners and lovers. However, this reminds us that dogs and dog waste threaten ecosystems when left unchecked,” says Andrew Holland, national media relations director with Nature Conservancy of Canada. “By picking up after their pets, nature lovers can ensure they give the species here the best chance to thrive and grow. And in doing this, pet owners will leave the space clean and ready to welcome them again on their next visit. Picking up after your dog is also an act of respect to the many people visiting these trails and natural areas.”
As a pet owner, you are picking up after your dog is responsible for keeping your community clean. This is important because dog waste can contaminate nature with foreign bacteria, diseases, and unnatural nutrients, impacting local plants' growth.
“We know that exploring nature helps us connect with nature and understand nature’s benefits to us,” says Holland. “Nature needs allies, and getting out there helps build these forces for good, but we also have to respect its needs.”
By reducing our impact on natural areas, we give plants and animals their best chance at success.
For more tips on keeping the environment clean and safe, visit natureconservancy.ca.
