Frequently Asked Question

Pets are valuable and loved members of many families, but it can be upsetting when one of them brings home a hurt creature, even though it is in their nature to hunt.  

Both cats and dogs are capable of harming wildlife in this way, but cannot be punished for doing so because it happens as a combination of playfulness, a need to be entertained, and hardwired instincts.  

The best thing you can do yourself is ensure you provide lots of activity and fun for your pet, so that they don’t need to fulfil those needs by hunting wildlife, but many pets have deeply ingrained instincts and merely the sound or sight of potential prey will trigger them to act. 

Pets can be a threat to all kinds of wildlife from earthworms to small reptiles, from amphibians, mammals and birds, to causing ill-health to aquatic habitats due to the use of flea treatments on their fur that get into water courses when they go for a swim. 

Pets can be a threat to all kinds of wildlife whether from hunting all manner of creatures in play or in earnest, or from pollution of aquatic habitats when the pesticides in flea treatments enter the water while swimming 

Pet faeces if also danger to wildlife as it can carry diseases, scare away animals, and the fertilisation from it can cause an imbalance in the local habitats.  

Here is how you can help: 

• Always pick up after your pets.  
• Never leave bags of pet faeces anywhere on Betts’ sites as the plastic can cause harm as well as the contents, even if “biodegradable” or “eco friendly” bags are used. 
• Do not allow dogs off leads in the Public Open Space. 
• Avoid walking your dog on the obvious nature areas of the site. 
• Avoid taking groups of dogs out together to remove the risk of “pack” hunting behaviour. 
• Fit cats with a collar including a bell, to give wildlife warning that they are nearby and a better chance to hide or escape. 
• Keep cats indoors particularly at peak hunting times for wildlife (dawn and dusk). 
• Explore chemical-free means of flea control, such as regular grooming, herbal shampoos and collars – please consult your vet for advice on the best options. 
• Provide other stimulus for your pets to ensure they are not bored. 

For further information, please see our Pets Policy, which can be found by visiting our main website, www.bettsestates.com, and clicking on the “Policies” link at the bottom.