Blame: Domestic cats have been named one of the most deadly bird killers For many people, owning a cat or a dog is one of life's greatest joys.
But that simple pleasure will be denied to home-buyers on a new housing development under European legislation to protect local wildlife.
Both cats and dogs are forbidden on the estate because there are rare bird species nesting on heathland more than a mile away.
Environmentalists say that domestic cats in particular are responsible for a monthly massacre of millions of birds, and the edict could be copied in other parts of the country with protected habitats.
But owners' groups condemned it as a part of a sinister attack on our right to keep a pet, while even the RSPB branded it 'unenforceable'.
The controversial ban applies to anyone buying or renting a house at a 500-home development on the former Farnborough Airfield site in Hampshire, where three-bedroom terraces start at around £250,000.
It was imposed as part of the conditions of planning permission being granted.
The rule - under the European Habitats' Directive - is meant to protect the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, just over a mile away.
The unspoilt heath is home to rare birds including the highly endangered, ground-nesting nightjar as well as Dartford warblers and woodlarks.
The highly-endangered nightjar is one of the birds officials are hoping to protect with the ban
The woodlark (left) and the Dartford warbler can also be found near the estateA new area of parkland with play areas is being built near the homes to discourage children, too, from playing on the heathland and disturbing wildlife.
Many local people are sceptical, however.
Councillor Eric Neale said: 'The heaths are about five miles across, and they're overrun with foxes and magpies which do far more damage to birdlife than dog walkers who venture on to it for a few hundred metres.
'This restricts the lifestyles of thousands of people just for the sake of a few rare birds, and it's all down to councils imposing a European directive. I think it's outrageous.'
Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today magazine, said: 'This is madness - dogs don't roam from people's houses and attack birds in nearby countryside, and what's to stop other dog owners from walking their pets on the heath?
'Councils seem to be trying to make life harder and harder for pet owners, which is a real shame, as owning a cat or dog is proven to encourage an active lifestyle and improve your health.
'Surely there are better ways of encouraging responsible pet ownership?
'Animal lovers tend to be bird lovers as well, they shouldn't be placed in conflict like this.'
The RSPB had wanted restrictions on pets being exercised on the heath, but said yesterday it didn't support the ban either.
'This is an internationally significant habitat,' said spokesman Grahame Madge. 'Building housing alongside it is like putting up an apartment block next to the rainforest.
'That's why it's important that alternative open spaces are constructed to take pressure off the heathland.
'But banning cats and dogs isn't the answer - after all, five years down the line, who's going to tell people who buy houses there that they can't have a pet? We think it's unenforceable.'
Rushmoor council, which agreed the ban, and developer Redrow were unavailable for comment.
source: dailymail
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