Anja Murray: Off-leash dogs can cause havoc with wild birds

Dogs running through areas where birds are feeding or nesting can stress, exhaust and even kill threatened species

Dogs must be kept on a lead while in the park — sign at Connemara National Park. Picture: Anja Murray

I am a big fan of dogs. I loved my last dog, Tito, so much that I dedicated my book, Wild Embrace, to him.

Being so attuned to one kind of animal, though, can cause a bit of a blind spot. As we venture out for walks a little further afield than the local park, we experience the delight with which our beloved dog sniffs out new places. We see things from their perspective.