Dog terrorises wild heron on Scots beach as owner watches on

Shocking pictures show a pet dog terrorising a wild heron on a Scots beach. Concerned photographer Brian Beer, 72, snapped the scene as the bird was hounded at Fairlie Bay, North Ayrshire.

Brian, from Wemyss Bay, says: "There was an out of control dog at Fairlie on Sunday (10 Nov) afternoon, owner trying to catch dog, but couldn't for a good few minutes. I was shouting to get the dog on the lead but he couldn't catch it.

"Being a bird lover all my life it was horrendous thing to watch. If folk can't control their dogs keep them on a lead."

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Brian was a distance away from the bird's ordeal but was able to quickly capture with an 800mm long lens. He says: "The heron seemed OK after its ordeal and disappeared. I searched for the bird with my binoculars but couldn't see it."

There was concerned reactions on the Facebook wildlife group that Brian had posted the images.

Comments included: "I own five dogs and would never walk them off the lead or near wildlife etc. Even the best behaved of dogs can be unpredictable near other animals. I'd say the heron isn't 100% as they're normally quick to fly off. Bad ownership."

"It's a legal responsibility for a dog to be under full control. Would definitely have reported the owner. Nothing worse than a dog running wild."

A spokesperson for RSPB Scotland said: “There is no excuse for failing to control your pet when out on a walk. Visiting wild spaces with your dog can be hugely rewarding, both for the dog owner and your pet, but enjoying these places comes with a responsibility to be respectful to wildlife.

"Responsible dog owners will be aware of their surroundings and always have their pet under control.”

The UK Government says it's against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control anywhere, such as in a public place. Meanwhile, the SSPCA advises that dog owners adhere to NatureScot's guidance on being a responsible dog owner around wildlife.

Their Scottish Outdoor Access Code asks that owners do not allow dogs to approach animals uninvited, do not linger if wildlife is disturbed by their presence, avoid animals where possible, and always keep their dog in sight and under control.

In addition, owners are asked not to take their dog into fields of vegetables and fruit, unless there is a clear path, and always bag and bin dog poo. The SSPCA said the incident at Fairlie Bay was not reported to them.

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