Many pet owners are undoubtedly eager to spend quality outdoor time with their dogs and cats this summer – however, experts have warned of the impact our furry friends could have on native wildlife species if they’re not properly controlled.

Michelle Le Long, chief operating officer at pet insurer PD Insurance, recently told SunLive that pets such as cats can sometimes wreak havoc on local wildlife.

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“A 2010 University of Otago study estimated that New Zealand’s 1.4 million domestic cats kill at least 18.76 million animals a year, including 1.12 million native birds,” Le Long told SunLive.

Meanwhile, independent conservation organisation Forest & Bird highlighted the impact of off-leash dogs on native bird populations.

“Off-leash dogs that chase birds have an even greater impact by interrupting the foraging and resting time of shorebirds,” Forest & Bird said in its conservation policy. “In addition, the birds burn off valuable calories and expend large amounts of energy escaping pursuing dogs.”

Lauren Boren, science advisor at the Department of Conservation, told SunLive that pet owners should check what the rules are before exploring conservation areas with their pets and to leash them when wildlife is present.