[alanjns]

That's terrible, I hope they pull through.

I get so angry with irresponsible dog owners, although you say this one is thought to be a stray. On my local reserves we have countless people walking dogs off the leash, despite clear signs asking them to keep them on the leash.

I'm sure we've all had birds scared off by dogs running about and barking, and not to mention jumping up at you when you are trying to watch birds. I've had a stand off with a snarling dog on more than one occasion, before the owner eventually pulls it away. Most annoying are the ones who don't even apologise, or make any kind of comment at all, but just call the dog and keep on going.

We have a small wetland park here, next to Marton Mere, and there are signs all around explaining about keeping out of the water because of the important and endangered wildlife - they are trying to encourage Crested Newts to breed - but I continually see people letting their dogs go into the ponds, even throwing sticks or balls into the water for them.

There never seems to be a ranger around either when this happens, only once in the last 3 years have I seen a ranger challenge someone about their dog.