Some pilgrims reported to us that they encountered some guard dogs along the way.
The Bonaria Trail, like the Via Francigena and the Camino de Santiago, passes close to farms and livestock farms in some places. Dogs are inside the fence. However, it was reported that in three places (Alà dei Sardi -Bitti Stages; Nuoro – Orani/Sarule; Orotelli-Ottana) the gate was found to be open with the possibility for the dogs to leave the fence. We have taken immediate action to go and talk to the owners/managers of these farms in order to urge them to take custody of the dogs. It will be our care to further sensitize the mayors of the affected areas as well.
In the case of encounters with livestock guarding dogs (e.g., large dogs protecting sheep, goats, or cattle), the main goal is to make the dogs understand that they pose no threat to the herd. These animals are selected to ward off potential predators and can appear intimidating even when they are simply doing their job.
Here are the recommendations (on the “Useful Information” page, section “Guard Dogs – Gates (jacas)”) generally shared by hiking organizations, ranchers and forest services.
