New Research Finds That Dogs Are Incredibly Horrible
In an interview with The Guardian, the lead author of a wide-ranging review of canine environmental effects suggested that pet dogs may be as harmful to their surroundings as their much-maligned brethren, housecats.
"To a certain extent, we give a free pass to dogs because they are so important to us," Bill Bateman of Australia's Curtin University told the newspaper, "not just as working dogs but also as companions."
Though there has been far less research about pet dogs as environmental threats compared to similar research about cats, the studies that do exist paint a pretty stark picture. As Bateman and his colleagues found when compiling their literature review, which was published in the journal Pacific Conservation Biology, dogs are not only one of the world's most ubiquitous predators, but also one of the deadliest.
"As the commonest large carnivore in the world, the environmental impacts of owned dogs are extensive and multifarious," Curtin University's press release reads. "They are implicated in direct killing and disturbance of multiple species, particularly shore birds."
Beyond problematic hunting behaviors, the mere scent of dogs changes the behavior of animals that come into contact with their essence long after the canines depart — and that's not even counting their fetid waste that many owners just leave smeared all over public spaces.
"Studies have found that animals like deer, foxes, and bobcats in the US are less active or completely avoid areas where dogs are regularly walked, even in the absence of the dogs," Bateman said in Curtin's press release about the new research.
"Dog waste also contributes to pollution in waterways and inhibits plant growth," he continued, "while wash-off from chemical treatments used to clean and guard dogs from parasites can add toxic compounds to aquatic environments."
It sucks to discover that man's best friend is also a big-time polluter — but as Bateman told The Guardian, he and his colleagues didn't undertake their research to be "censorious."
"Although we've pointed out these issues with dogs in natural environments," he said, "there is that other balancing side, which is that people will probably go out and really enjoy the environment around them — and perhaps feel more protective about it — because they're out there walking their dog in it."
Training one's dogs not to hunt and using less toxic cleaning products, Bateman had a simple trick that can help dog owners feel better about their polluting pets.
"If nothing else," he noted, "pick up your own dog shit."
More on pet projects: We Talked to the Inventors of the "Tamagotchi" Vape That Dies If You Stop Puffing
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Newsweek
5 days ago
- Newsweek
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Cognitive functional therapy with or without movement sensor biofeedback versus usual care for chronic, disabling low back pain (RESTORE): 3-year follow-up of a randomised, controlled trial. The Lancet Rheumatology.
Hamilton Spectator
29-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
P.E.I. precipitation no longer in the range considered acid rain
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The average pH in 2024 was 6.1, Vanlderstine said. At this level, the acidity is mild and unlikely to cause significant harm to the environment, she added. 'Once a week, precipitation samples are collected and tested for pH along with several other parameters,' she said. Since 1982, samples have been collected to store and monitor the atmosphere above P.E.I. 'The annual average pH value has increased from 4.8 in 2004 to 6.1 in 2022. The average pH for the last five years is 6.2,' she said. Acid rain results when sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents, Vanlderstine said. 'The sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These then mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground,' she said. The major sources of SO2 and NOX in the atmosphere are the burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity, vehicles and heavy equipment emissions, manufacturing, oil refineries and other industries. Yutaro Sasaki is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter, a position funded by the federal government. He can be reached at ysasaki@ and followed on X @PEyutarosasaki . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Yahoo
Experts stunned after record-breaking surge in rare butterfly sightings: 'None of us want summer 2025 to ever end'
Ecologists in West Sussex recently recorded a jaw-dropping 283 purple emperor butterflies in a single day at the Knepp Castle Estate, a 3,500-acre rewilding project in the county. It's an all-time high for the site — and a major milestone for the conservation of the vulnerable species, The Guardian reported. The purple emperor is noted for being an elusive butterfly species — and for having some unusual behavior. According to The Guardian, the pretty purple butterflies feed on dung and animal carcasses — or fermented tree sap that makes them "tipsy." It's an unexpectedly grotesque diet for a butterfly, especially one this breathtaking. Though the butterfly species is listed as wildlife of "least concern" by Great Britain's Red List, the species is listed as a "medium" conservation priority by Butterfly Conservation. That's because populations are dispersing and dropping due to habitat loss, a consequence of land development and rising global temperatures. And it's exactly why the large population sighting at Knepp is so exciting. According to The Guardian, experts attribute the boost in sightings to Knepp's pioneering "process-led" rewilding project. Started in 2001, the project transformed former farmland into a thriving natural habitat for the butterfly species. Rewilding projects are essential to supporting vulnerable wildlife and native plant life impacted by climate shifts and pollution. Knepp's rewilding project includes restoring natural habitats, reintroducing native wildlife and plant life, monitoring the area's ecosystem, and much more. This approach helps to restore natural ecosystems, boost biodiversity, and build resilience against future climate shifts. Rewilded landscapes — including forests, wetlands, and grasslands — can act as powerful carbon sinks, absorbing pollution from the atmosphere. These areas also help regulate water cycles and create more stable, self-sustaining environments, which are crucial in the face of a warming world. Particularly key to the purple emperor's resurgence is the growth of sallow scrub in the area, a crucial plant for the purple emperor's egg-laying, according to Rewilding Britain. Ecologists at Knepp say the plant has flourished, thanks to natural dispersal from roaming livestock like pigs and ponies. Knepp's butterfly expert, Neil Hulme, told The Guardian that purple emperor populations naturally fluctuate year to year, so it may be premature to celebrate. Still, he highlighted Knepp as a "top-quality rewilded landscape" — and not only for the purple emperor butterfly. Other butterfly species, including purple hairstreaks and the silver-washed fritillary, are also being sighted in similar record numbers in the area. Hulme told The Guardian Knepp has "clouds of butterflies everywhere," adding that "none of us want summer 2025 to ever end." Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
