DOG walkers have been warned after a rare squirrel was attacked.
Marbury Country Park in Northwich is home to a wide variety of wildlife but perhaps none is more striking than the white squirrel.
However, one of these unique residents was recently left for dead after being attacked by an out-of-control dog.
Councillor Karen Shore, deputy leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and cabinet member for environment, has now urged dog owners to take more care when visiting the beauty spot.
She said: “Marbury Park’s white squirrels are grey squirrels with a genetic mutation in their colouring.
“Their unusual colour makes them a favourite with park visitors but also, unfortunately, it makes them more visible to predators.
“Dogs do tend to chase small prey like the squirrels and in most cases the squirrels will manage to escape.
“This incident must have been really distressing to witness and we would urge all dog owners to please be responsible.
“If you do not have voice control over your dog then please keep them on a lead in the park.”
As explained by Cllr Shore, white squirrels are grey squirrels with the albino or leucistic gene, which wildlife experts say affects around one in 100,000.
The Woodland Trust estimates the UK’s grey squirrel population to be 2.7 million, meaning there could be just 27 in the whole country.
Eyewitnesses to the attack, on January 8, say they tried to intervene, but the squirrel appeared to have died as a result of its injuries.
In Cheshire West and Chester, a dog control Public Space Protection Order is in place which sets out the rules for dogs in public areas.
The PSPO states that dogs are banned from enclosed children’s play areas and partially or fully enclosed multi-use games areas and tennis courts.
Dogs must be kept on leads at all cemeteries, at Grosvenor Park in Chester and when directed to by an authorised officer.
Additionally, when a lead is required it must be no longer than two metres in length.
Furthermore, all dog walkers must carry the means to collect dog foul and can only walk up to six dogs at any one time.
The PSPO first came into effect in 2018, with a three-year extension approved by the council’s cabinet in 2021.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel