POLICE have taken action against a woman whose dog destroyed rare curlew eggs in the New Forest.
Cameras set up to monitor the progress of curlew nests filmed the dog entering a protected area near Burley on May 27 and eating several eggs.
Police launched an investigation and managed to identify the animal's owner.
Now a 48-year-old woman from Christchurch has been handed a community resolution order - a way of tackling certain types of crime and dealing with first-time offenders without going to court.
The order requires the woman to consider putting the dog forward for extensive training courses.
She was also told to sign a dog behaviour contract requiring her to keep the animal on a lead on Forestry England land during the nesting season.
PC Matthew Thelwell, a wildlife and rural crime officer, said: "Curlews are ground-nesting birds that are extremely rare and endangered.
"Sadly in this case there was no clear attempt or intent by the owner to control their dog whilst off its lead.
“This has led to the destruction of a number of rare eggs, as well as the birds' nesting area."
Forestry England community ranger Charlotte Belcher added: "Ground-nesting birds have already been lost from many other parts of the UK and we are so lucky to still have them here in the New Forest.
"Their breeding success will play an important role in helping to ensure their continued survival in the UK.
"There are highly visible signs alerting people and asking them to support the birds by staying on the main tracks, together with their dogs."
New Forest Dog Owners' Group has backed the action taken by police.
A spokesperson said: "This is an extreme case but a clear warning to owners who use the Forest to act properly.”
The New Forest Verderers added: "It is simply not acceptable for dog owners to allow their animals to kill, injure or chase kill wildlife or livestock.
"We wholeheartedly support Hampshire Constabulary for taking the action they have.
"Hopefully it will be a warning to other dog walkers that they must keep their dogs under proper control.”
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