A controversial report has claimed that dogs are bad for the environment. According to the report, the environmental impact of owned dogs is “far greater, more insidious, and more concerning than is generally recognized.”

The report, published in Australia’s Pacific Conservation Biology journal, described dogs as the world’s “commonest large carnivore” and their impact as “extensive and nefarious.”

“[Dogs] are implicated in direct killing and disturbance of multiple species, particularly shore birds, but also their mere presence, even when leashed, can disturb birds and mammals, causing them to leave areas where dogs are exercised,” the report reads.

It also adds that scent traces, faeces, and urine can continue to have the same effect even when the dog isn’t present. Insecticides from flea and tick medication can also pollute waterways.

The report states that the sheer number of dogs also contributes to global carbon emissions, along with water and land use via the pet food industry. It adds that the dog food industry’s environmental footprint is “enormous and growing,” and calculated at almost twice the U.K.’s land area.

The report also makes it clear that “pet companionship is hugely important to people,” outlining the positives of owning a dog. This includes them being companions and working animals, and them also being used in conservation through their use as detection dogs. The report adds that the issues caused by dogs stem from the sheer number of them globally, along with lax or uninformed behavior from dog owners.

The number of dogs is said to be “insuperably difficult to surmount,” but changes such as switching to more sustainable dog foods can help reduce their environmental footprint and not walking dogs in protected areas can reduce their impact. But it is also noted that switching to dog food that is often more expensive can be a financial issue for many owners.

(Via The Guardian)

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