For many French people, “vacation” rhymes with “ocean,” “sunbathing”… and sometimes, “environmental danger”! The issue at hand: dogs left unleashed on beaches that disrupt and threaten the species of seabirds that live and breed there. This lack of awareness has prompted associations to take action.
If you are the proud owner of a dog that you take everywhere with you, be cautious in choosing your vacation spot in the coming weeks: you may not know it, but your four-legged companion turns into a real walking danger on the beaches. Yes, these vast sandy stretches are not lifeless deserts.
In the hollows of the dunes lies a true ecological treasure, made up of insects, shells, algae… and seabirds! Birds that flee from the presence of dogs, sometimes risking their survival, as some of them abandon their nests buried in the sand, at the mercy of heat, humidity, predators, our trampling, and the joyful antics of our furry friends. These dogs see the presence of a few remaining birds nearby as a great opportunity to play, whether it’s hunting and killing or just racing around.
A purely instinctive behavior… that owners must anticipate in order to adapt their practices and walks, thus avoiding their pet turning into a devastator of biodiversity. This issue is not exclusive to France, as man’s best friend has conquered the planet and threatens many species, even up to Tasmanian penguins!
“Watch Your Step, You’re Walking on Eggs!”
That’s why, in France, several associations have decided to take action. With the campaign “Watch Your Step, You’re Walking on Eggs!”, volunteers hope to inform the public about the presence of migratory bird nests on beaches and promote responsible behaviors. In addition to awareness-raising efforts, protective measures are being taken, such as mapping out sensitive areas and putting up signs and protective nets.
If the goals are achieved and dog owners make some concessions, the fragile Kentish plover should be able to peacefully lay its characteristic eggs, whose black and sandy colors blend perfectly into the dunes to escape predators but also make them easy to crush.
If you can’t imagine giving up sunbathing on the sand this year, don’t worry: you can still make an environmental gesture by lounging on dog-friendly beaches open year-round to dogs, the list of which can be found here.