<
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/apr/10/pet-dogs-have-extensive-and-multifarious-impact-on-environment-new-research-finds>
"Dogs have “extensive and multifarious” environmental impacts, disturbing
wildlife, polluting waterways and contributing to carbon emissions, new
research has found.
An Australian review of existing studies has argued that “the environmental
impact of owned dogs is far greater, more insidious, and more concerning than
is generally recognised”.
While the environmental impact of cats is well known, the comparative effect of
pet dogs has been poorly acknowledged, the researchers said.
The review, published in the journal
Pacific Conservation Biology,
highlighted the impacts of the world’s “commonest large carnivore” in killing
and disturbing native wildlife, particularly shore birds.
In Australia, attacks by unrestrained dogs on little penguins in Tasmania may
contribute to colony collapse, modelling suggests, while a study of animals
taken to the Australia Zoo wildlife hospital found that mortality was highest
after dog attacks, which was the second most common reason for admission after
car strikes.
In the US, studies have found that deer, foxes and bobcats were less active in
or avoid wilderness areas where dogs were allowed, while other research shows
that insecticides from flea and tick medications kill aquatic invertebrates
when they wash off into waterways. Dog faeces can also leave scent traces and
affect soil chemistry and plant growth.
The carbon footprint of pets is also significant. A 2020 study found the dry
pet food industry had an environmental footprint of around twice the land area
of the UK, with greenhouse gas emissions – 56 to 151 Mt CO₂ – equivalent to the
60th highest-emitting country.
The review’s lead author, Prof Bill Bateman of Curtin University, said the
research did not intend to be “censorious” but aimed to raise awareness of the
environmental impacts of man’s best friend, with whom humans’ domestic
relationship dates back several millennia.
“To a certain extent we give a free pass to dogs because they are so important
to us … not just as working dogs but also as companions,” he said, pointing to
the “huge benefits” dogs had on their owners’ mental and physical health. He
also noted that dogs played vital roles in conservation work, such as in
wildlife detection."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
