The RSPCA has said there is no simple answer to whether cats or dogs have a greater impact on wildlife, following recent changes to legal restrictions that owners should be aware of.
Dogs off the lead can disturb wildlife as they run around green spaces and chase after foxes or rabbits, while cats often hunt small birds and animals. The RSPCA was asked for its thoughts on which pet has the biggest impact on the wider ecosystem.
No simple answer
Eloise Dicks, companion animals expert with the group, said it is hard to give a definitive answer. She said: "Cats and dogs can affect wildlife in different ways, and there's no simple answer based on species alone. How an individual pet reacts to wildlife will depend on a number of factors, but responsible ownership can help reduce these impacts."
Ms Dicks added: "This means considering not only the needs and welfare of your pet, but also the animals and habitats they may encounter."
Owner responsibility
She explained some things to bear in mind about cats and dogs, and the impact they can have. Ms Dicks said: "Cats are natural hunters, so owners can take steps to reduce opportunities for predation by providing appropriate outlets for these behaviours, such as interactive toys and play. Dogs can chase and disturb wildlife and livestock, so owners are responsible for keeping their dog under effective control and following any restrictions that are in place."
Asked if there are any particular dog breeds that can cause issues, the expert said again there is not a clear-cut answer. She said: "Dogs of all breeds can chase wildlife or livestock, and their behaviour can be influenced by factors including their individual temperament, training, previous experiences and genetics.
"Some dogs may also have been bred for activities involving chasing or pursuing animals, but breed alone is not a reliable way of predicting how an individual dog will behave around wildlife or farm animals. Regardless of breed, it is important that dogs are kept under control when they are around livestock or wildlife."
Legal changes
Dog walkers should be aware that the rules have been strengthened. From April 2026, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, which applies in England and Wales, was amended to grant stronger protections for farmers' livestock.
The changes include increasing the maximum fine for livestock worrying from £1,000 to an unlimited fine, extending the law to cover worrying and attacks on roads and paths, and adding to the list of livestock camelids such as llamas and alpacas.
Other legal protections
Ms Dicks said there are some other legal protections for wildlife for cat and dog owners to be aware of. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 grants legal protection to wild birds, their nests and eggs. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill or injure a wild bird. A pet killing a bird is not automatically an offence, it depends on the circumstances.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 requires dogs on access land to be kept on a lead of no more than two metres when around livestock. There are also restrictions to protect ground-nesting birds during their breeding season. Local and seasonal restrictions may also apply, so owners should research the rules for their particular area.
