A new report has sparked controversy by asserting that domestic dogs are having a far greater negative impact on the environment than commonly understood.
Published in Australia’s Pacific Conservation Biology journal, the report brands dogs as the world’s “commonest large carnivore,” describing their environmental footprint as “extensive and nefarious.” It highlights how dogs directly harm wildlife, particularly shorebirds, through both physical attacks and disturbances caused simply by their presence—even when leashed.
The report further warns that the effects of dogs extend beyond their immediate actions. Scent marks, feces, and urine can continue to disturb wildlife long after a dog has left an area. Additionally, chemicals from flea and tick treatments can seep into waterways, posing further ecological threats.
Beyond localized disturbances, the study underscores the broader environmental burden tied to the pet food industry. It states that feeding the world’s dog population demands extensive land and resources, contributing significantly to carbon emissions. The environmental footprint of dog food production alone was estimated to occupy nearly twice the land area of the United Kingdom.
Despite outlining these impacts, the report acknowledges the crucial role dogs play in human society, serving not only as companions but also as working and conservation detection animals. It emphasizes that the environmental issues are less about dogs themselves and more about their overwhelming global population and often careless management by owners.
While reducing the number of dogs worldwide is described as “insuperably difficult,” the report offers some mitigation strategies. Switching to more sustainable dog foods and avoiding walking dogs in sensitive ecological areas could lessen their impact. However, it also notes that sustainable pet food options are often more expensive, which could pose financial challenges for many dog owners.
The report calls for greater awareness and responsible ownership practices to minimize the unintended environmental costs of man’s best friend.