A disease spread in dog poo could spell disaster for cattle, conservationists warn.
A disease spread in dog poo could spell disaster for cattle near walking routes on the Belfast hills, conservationists have warned.
"People think when they go up into the hills that it doesn't matter, the dogs can just go anywhere and nature will take care of it," Dr Pinkerton said."For the farmers trying to make a living off the hills, it is devastating."The cattle help manage vegetation to support a healthy biodiversity. "If it wasn't grazed and managed with cows, there would be a lot more forage and then once in a while, there would be a massive fire which would have a detrimental effect and do away with this beautiful area."The hills attract thousands of visitors and dog-walkers every year, most of them careful to stick to the publicly accessible areas outlined on maps.That has brought the disease to the door of landowners like Martin Cunningham who is a fourth generation farmer on Divis.
The hills play an important role in helping to protect the environment, with peatlands throughout them absorbing and storing carbon."We want everyone to be able to make use of the hills, from the local landowners to the people walking and enjoying them," said Dr Pinkerton.
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