THERE'S growing concern over the increasing conflict between off–the–leash dogs and boar in the Forest. And it is massively dividing opinion. Here's the view from a vet who is finding herself on the front line.

"On Sunday evening (May 16) a 12 year old golden retriever named Bosun was attacked by a wild boar on Ruardean Hill. On Wednesday morning (May 19) a five year old greyhound named Cara was attacked at Speech House. Both dogs where under control, walking along forest tracks when the attacks occurred. Bosun was bitten between his back legs damaging his scrotum. He was taken to Chaseview Veterinary Clinic, Ross on Wye, for treatment which involved surgery to castrate him. He is recovering well so far.

Cara's story was not so successful. She was rammed and bitten resulting in a complex, comminuted fracture of her shoulder and lacerations to her leg. She was also taken to Chaseview for treatment but unfortunately had to be

euthanised on humane grounds. Her owner was very understandably deeply upset.

Both these stories illustrate how close we are to the wild boar population in the Forest Of Dean and surrounding woodland areas. They can be a particular hazard to people and dogs walking in the forest at this time of year as they have litters at foot. In order to protect their offspring they are more aggressive and territorial. In addition it is becoming more evident that people are feeding the wild boar, encouraging human contact. These factors combined make for territorial animals that are less fearful of humans giving rise to increased possibilities of aggressive encounters.

Steps are being taken by the Forestry Commission to control boar numbers to maintain a sensible number in the wild. It is also up to the public to be aware of the potential problems and not to feed them or encourage human contact as this turns timid creatures into potentially aggressive ones. Consider the bear populations in Canada, no food is kept in sight or smell of these animals for these exact reasons. It is vital to adhere to the proper codes to protect bears and the human visitors. These same rules need to be applied here.

The Forestry Commission has posted information signs encouraging people to keep their dogs on leads and under control at all times. One of the attractions of the forest is that we desire the freedom to roam with our dogs free off the lead. A balance needs to be attained by culling boar and maintaining a small, wild population and by the public following the rules and not encouraging boar/human interaction. This way we may achieve freedom of the forest and a safe pool of wildlife.

Kate Kerry, BVSc MRCVS, Chaseview Vets,

Ross-on-Wye.