RSPB 'deeply upset' by dog attacks on beach colony

A beach-nesting little tern with its chick

Beach wardens have launched a desperate appeal to dog owners after "deeply upsetting scenes" damaged a rare seabird colony.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) report that a flourishing colony of little terns on the Norfolk coast has been disturbed by dogs who were allowed off their leads.

PC Chris Shelley, Norfolk Police's Rural Crime Officer, said: "This reckless behaviour around vulnerable nesting birds is not only distressing to witness, but also completely illegal.

"We urge dog owners to keep their pets on leads around wildlife to avoid disturbing protected species and risking prosecution."

The RSPB is not naming the location of the colony beyond saying it is on the east coast of Norfolk but say it is home to around 600 adults and between 400-500 chicks.

Its volunteers and conservationists have reported a strong breeding season this year, with just weeks to go until the last chicks are due to fledge and take flight.

However, two incidents of dogs running through the colony and attacking chicks last week have put that success at risk.

Steve Rowland, the RSPB's area manager for Norfolk, said: "We are grateful to the many dog walkers who keep their dogs on leads where there are birds nesting on the ground, during the sensitive summer months.

"But even the gentlest family pet can cause distress or destruction to birds when running off-lead through a nesting colony.

"Last week, our wardens witnessed a number of deeply upsetting scenes involving uncontrolled dogs running through the colony, disturbing nests, picking up chicks in their mouths and killing at least four chicks that we know of.

A sign on the east Norfolk beach appeals for owners to keep their dogs on a lead

"Despite wardens getting to the scene immediately, sadly it was too late to save the chicks," Mr Rowland added. "The adult birds were also panicked and fled their nests, which can leave chicks vulnerable to other predators.

"It's devastating for the colony at such a critical time, after such a successful summer."

So far this year the RSPB has counted 83 little terns fledging the colony, with more than 250 chicks set to fly the nest soon.

The birds are amber listed on the UK's Birds of Conservation Concern, with the RSPB estimating there are around 1,900 breeding pairs in the UK.

Norfolk Police is encouraging any witnesses to the incidents to contact them.