RED SQUIRREL DOGS DANGER
Couple ‘saddened and shocked’by owners letting pets run free in coastal park:
RED squirrels are being put at risk by dog walkers letting their pets off the lead in a country park. That is the claim made by holidaymakers Angela and Iain Harrison who say they challenged “several” people for ignoring signs and letting their dogs roam free in the Penrhos Coastal Park, near Holyhead.
Mrs Harrison, 46, said she confronted the walker: “The response we got when we asked the walkers to put their dogs on their leads was really upsetting.
“It was as if they weren’t bothered at all and I don’t think they realise what a privilege it is to have such rare squirrels living there.”
The couple from Preston have been coming to the island for the last 15 years on holiday but may not come back because of the reaction.
“We adore Anglesey – hence the amount of times we have been, and this is the first time I have ever felt saddened and shocked here.
“A major part of our holidays is exploring the coastal walks, and enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife – particularly spotting the red squirrels,” Mrs Harrison added.
The couple now want more signs will be put up in the area with more information about red squirrels and why it’s important to keep them safe to deter dog owners from letting their dogs run free.
The 200-acre park on the outskirts of Holyhead is owned by Land and Lakes and forms part of the Anglesey Coastal Path Network.
The warden service is run by Kehoe Countryside Ltd, who look after the day to day running of the park.
Kehoe Countryside Ltd has been approached for a comment.