On Friday 27 May a dog was captured by cameras entering a protected curlew nest area in Burley and destroying a number of eggs. The cameras had been set up to help monitor the progress of rare curlew nests in the New Forest.

The dog had been seen to repeatedly attack the nest and consume the eggs on three separate occasions.

Following police enquiries, the owner of the dog was identified.

The 48-year-old woman from Christchurch was given a Community Resolution Order – which is a way of police tackling some crime types or first-time offenders without needing to take the matter to court – requiring the owner to consider putting the dog forward for extensive training courses.

She was also issued, and ordered to sign, a dog behaviour contract which requires her to walk the dog on a lead if on Forestry England land during nesting bird season – March through to September. Other conditions were imposed.

Wildlife & Rural Crime Officer, Police Constable Matthew Thelwell, said: “Curlews are ground nesting birds that are extremely rare and endangered – and sadly in this case – there was no clear attempt or intent by the owner to control their dog whilst off its lead.

“This has led to the destruction of a number of rare eggs, as well as the nesting area of the birds in the local area and constitutes an offence under the Countryside and Wildlife Act 1981.There are numerous Forestry England information boards and warning to dog walkers to keep their dogs under control in the area due to the curlew nesting birds and other animals.

“Sadly on this occasion this advice was ignored and as a result we have taken robust action to ensure that this situation does not happen again.”

Community ranger from Forestry England, Charlotte Belcher, said: “Ground-nesting birds have already been lost from many other parts of the UK and we are so lucky to still have them here in the New Forest. Their breeding success here will play an important role in helping to ensure their continued survival in the UK. In the most sensitive nesting areas of the Forest there are highly visible signs alerting people and asking them to support the birds by staying on the main tracks together with their dogs. We are grateful to all of those who are doing so and helping these birds to survive.”

A spokesperson for the New Forest Dog Owners Group, which represents 1,200 dog owners, said the group supports the police action and “it is a clear warning to owners who use the New Forest to act properly.”

And a spokesperson for the New Forest Verderers, said: “It is simply not acceptable for dog owners to allow their animals to kill, injure or chase kill wildlife or livestock. The importance of dogs being under control cannot be overestimated. The Forest is a wonderful place to walk dogs and long may it remain so.

“We urge all dog walkers not only to behave responsibly themselves, but also to do whatever they can to encourage other dog walkers to do likewise, for the benefit of all. When an incident such as the destruction of this curlew nest occurs, we wholeheartedly support Hampshire Constabulary’s Officers for taking the action they have. Hopefully it will be a warning to other dog walkers that they must keep their dogs under proper control.”