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Small Dog Home Boarding

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Dog Home Boarding 2020

Dog Home Boarding 2020

by | Jul 2, 2020 | GGL Pet Services, News

Dog Home Boarding 2020

The Legislation for Animal Licensing changed in 2018; the new legislation caused a lot of controversy at the start and still does to some extent. 

Local Authorities across the country were interpreting some of the new rules and guidance differently from each other, License fees were hiked up and prices were inconsistent. 

Non Profit Organisations were formed to act as representatives to dog home boarders, to help iron out inconsistencies between councils and to re-address things with DEFRA that were unclear or things which were causing problems and were starting to put people out of business. 

A Star Rating system was also introduced based on compliance, Time Served, and Qualifications amongst a range of other things. The higher the star rating would mean a longer license period. 

The Rules are stringent, and the full legislation can be found in the link below if you are interested or at least curious, it makes for interesting reading.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/486/contents/made

Licensing for other Animal Businesses is being looked at in depth by DEFRA and it looks like other business models will also be affected in due course.  Dog Breeders now require a license; Dog Walking Businesses are also being looked into along with Dog Training, Behaviour and even regulation or licensing for Rescue Centres is on the cards.

Home Boarding Dogs requires a lot of paperwork for both the business and the customer. Vaccinations must be kept up to date; Permission slips are required to walk dogs off lead, even to mix dogs with others.  I am licensed for 3 dogs; this is based on the number of rooms with windows. Each dog should have its own designated room unless the dog owner signs to say they are happy for them to sleep in the same room, this includes dogs from the same household. Crates are now frowned upon, but if a dog is used to sleeping in a crate a permission slip must be signed.

A Double entry system must be implemented on any garden gate to ensure nobody can get in whilst the dogs are outside, and a double entry system inside the house at the door, so that you can receive visitors without the dogs escaping.

There are higher and lower standards for the double entry system on the outside gate, so its not compulsory in order to get a license it counts more towards the star rating system.

Health and Safety procedures must be procured by the business, including cleaning schedules, Walking Schedules, Feed schedules, each must be allocated their own water and feed bowls, grooming equipment, etc.

Emergency procedures for Fire, Car Breakdown, Accident, Sickness, and that’s for both the boarder and the dog.  A separate key holder is required in case of emergency. This person should be a fit and proper person who can take charge of any dogs if I am hospitalised whilst dogs are in my care.

Written permission from my vet indicating that I may use their isolation facilities should a dog become ill with a potentially contagious disease.

I now need insurance details of the dog including policy numbers, Microchip details. Full behavioural and health information.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/486/schedule/4/made

SCHEDULE 4: Specific conditions: providing boarding for cats or dogs – Part 3 (excerpt)

Records

A register must be kept of all the dogs accommodated in the home which must include—

(a)the dates of each dog’s arrival and departure;

(b)each dog’s name, age, sex, neuter status, microchip number and a description of it or its breed;

(c)the number of any dogs from the same household;

(d)a record of which dogs (if any) are from the same household;

(e)the name, postal address, telephone number (if any) and email address (if any) of the owner of each dog and emergency contact details;

(f)in relation to each dog, the name, postal address, telephone number and email address of a local contact in an emergency;

(g)the name and contact details of each dog’s normal veterinarian and details of any insurance relating to the dog;

(h)details of each dog’s relevant medical and behavioural history, including details of any treatment administered against parasites and restrictions on exercise;

(i)details of each dog’s diet and related requirements;

(j)any required consent forms;

(k)a record of the date or dates of each dog’s most recent vaccination, worming and flea treatments;

(l)details of any medical treatment each dog is receiving.

(2) When outside the premises, each dog must wear an identity tag which includes the licence holder’s name and contact details.

 

Upon first reading the legislation back in 2018, I thought to myself, “This is impossible” but once I put my head down and went through each section, things started to progress.

I was granted a 5 Star Rating and given a 3-year license back in October 2018 so all my effort paid off.  My next inspection will be in October 2021.  Although unannounced inspections are also now being undertaken, so I have to ensure I am practicing what I am preaching at all times.

Don’t get me wrong, this is no easy fete, I found that out late in 2019 when I burned myself out and wept tears of defeat. Not being the kind of person who gives up easily, I decided, to change things slightly, allowing myself more time to relax.

I started by looking at my business and seeing what and where things could be changed. I stopped the Dog Walking side of the business. I had to inform some customers that I was no longer available to walk their dog but I did try to help them by finding them another dog walker.

I have kept 3 dogs which I do still walk, Two of these dogs have been with me since Day 1 all the way back in 2011, so our bond is inseparable, no way could I just say goodbye, all 3 have been with me since Puppyhood and I love them as if they were my own.Dog Walking

I also decided that I wasn’t getting any younger, (I know your thinking, how young I look ha-ha), and trying to hold onto a large dog that has had no lead training was taking its toll on my neck and shoulders. High energy dogs like working spaniels were also becoming too demanding with all the other dogs I had to walk in-between, so I looked to my future and asked, “What made me start this job”?  It was Missy. My cute little princess who also died in 2018, I still miss her very much.  “Little” here is the operative word.Gill & Missy

How had I lost so much direction? my original vision was a house full of small dogs all cute and cuddly, playful little cuties. So I re-branded to Small Dog Home Boarding. Now don’t get me wrong here, I have some larger dogs which I board on a regular basis, including spaniels, but these particular dogs all have a calm temperament and are not over-demanding on my frail physique.   So they still come to me for boarding and I am more than happy about that.

Much quicker than I anticipated a whole load of new customers came a knocking with their little Chihuahuas and Terriers, I cannot express how grateful I am for that.

I am now back on top of my game and my mental and physical health is back to normal, but without the massive amounts of bad stress which I had suffered since 2018.  I have found time to further my education, in relation to my business and I have even won 2 Awards this year, which will be officially announced at the end of July so I am told.

Well if you have read this far, I hope you have found it interesting or even entertaining. Alas, we are still in the grips of the Covid-19 pandemic and I have no idea how all this will end. I am like other businesses open as usual, with procedures in place which means, you cannot enter my home, consultations take place in the garden, or if you wear a mask and gloves you can come inside and stand perfectly still in one spot and not move.  Your dog however is free to roam. (if you can’t laugh you’re doomed)

Whilst most of this year’s bookings have been cancelled and re-booked for next year, it means I’m already getting full up for 2021.  I have solid bookings for later this year which hopefully won’t be cancelled, but up until October, I’m only going to take on regular customers, and then I will re-assess the situation and see how things are shaping up in the country, as it changes every day.

Please Stay Safe, Keep Laughing, and I hope to see you all soon.

Animal Welfare Act 2006

Animal Welfare Act 2006

by | Feb 12, 2020 | GGL Pet Services, News

 

Animal Welfare Act 2006

Sections 1 -3 

Animals covered under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 are classed as vertebrates other than a man. Vertebrate animals are classed as subphylum Chordates and comprise of animals with a backbone.

The purpose of this legislation is to protect all vertebrate animals (with a backbone) other than humans. An invertebrate, (an animal without a backbone), is not capable of pain and suffering.

For example, a worm can regenerate its body after being cut apart. It does not feel pain and it does not suffer or have the concept of suffering so, therefore, it is not included in the legislation. If however It can be proven scientifically that an invertebrate can feel pain and suffering it can be included. The law does not stretch to embryo/unborn fetal animals.

Protected animals under this act, is any domesticated animal in the British islands under the control of a person on either a permanent or temporary basis. For example, the animal is not wild and living in a wild state, it has been tamed (domesticated).

The person having control of the animal is the person responsible for it if different from the owner. If the animal is in the custody of a child, under 16 years, then the responsibility is with the parent or guardian of the child.

Prior to 2006 action could only be taken after unnecessary suffering had already occurred. The 2006 law provides a duty of care to the owner/keeper of any domesticated animal. It allows for prosecution or orders to be placed by the courts for any offences under this act. It promotes codes of practice, education, and intervention prior to any suffering occurring and clearly places the responsibility with the owner or person in charge of a dog.

You can view the Codes of Practice in the “Useful Links” section of this website, and also on the DEFRA website.

Section 4

Unnecessary Suffering is covered under section 4 of the animal welfare 2006 Act – Prevention of harm. If the animal who is suffering is a protected animal (domesticated/owned) and the suffering is unnecessary then A person commits an offence, If they cause the animal to suffer, or allow someone else to cause the animal to suffer,  or fails to stop the act knowing that the animal is suffering or about to suffer.

For example, if I am the owner of a dog and I allow a family member to continually kick and punch the dog every time it barks, then I am guilty of an offence, so is the person kicking and punching the dog.

If my dog cuts his leg really badly to the point where the wound needs stitches, I am guilty of an offence if I do not take the dog for treatment. If I decide to bandage the wound and hope for the best, whilst the dog cries and howls in pain. i am causing the dog to suffer, the suffering can be avoided if I take the dog to a vet for treatment. so it is unnecessary suffering that I am causing.

Consideration when defining unnecessary suffering includes, whether the suffering could be avoided or reduced. If the suffering was for a legitimate reason. For example, a dog with a broken leg that is told not to walk on it for a few weeks by the Vet, the dog must be confined to a smaller area in order to protect the dog’s broken leg whilst it is healing. The dog is suffering as it cannot exhibit normal behavior due to its confinement, but it’s for the greater good in this respect. It is benefiting the dog.

A vet may subsequently cause a dog to suffer after surgery but he is competent and the suffering is reasonably expected.

Harming a Service Dog is a criminal offence unless the dog is under the control of a police officer in the course of duty but only whilst working, if the police officer is off duty, and is the defendant he can be found guilty of an offence. so in effect, if a Police dog handler or service dog handler causes harm to his dog, he could become the defendant in certain given situations. Referred to as Finns LAW Animal Welfare (Service Animals) Act 2019.

Section 5

Section 5 is about mutilation; a person commits an offence if he carries out a prohibited procedure on a protected animal or causes such a procedure to be carried out on such an animal.

Prohibited procedures are interference with the sensitive tissues or bone structure of the animal, unless it for medical reasons advised by a qualified vet. This does not include neutering and Tail docking is not included in this section.

This section largely relates to farm animals such as pigs, goats, sheep, domesticated Deer. The only relation to dogs is the removal of dew claws, whilst this is permitted; it is still illegal to perform the procedure if the dog is a puppy and has not yet opened its eyes.

Routine surgery like castration must be done under anesthetic. The mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007.

Section 6

Tail Docking is covered under section 6 of the Act It is an offence to remove the whole or any part of a dog’s tail, or allow any person to remove the tail of a dog you are responsible for unless advised by a vet for medical reasons.

It is an offence to allow it to happen you must take reasonable steps to prevent this from happening or you are guilty of an offence. This does not apply to certified working dogs that are not more than 5 days old.

Spaniels Terriers, Hunt, Point and Retrieve breeds which are used for working dogs are exempt if the dog is docked before 5 days old. A Vet must certify the dog as a working dog. The vet needs evidence from the appropriate national authority that it will be used for: law enforcement, Armed Forces, Emergency Rescue, and Lawful pest control.

It is an offence to give false information to a vet in order to dock the tail So the breeder of the dog would need to show the vet a letter from the relevant person, like the police or the landowner who will be working the dog on his land, in order to prove that the dog is being used for service. The Vet must sign the certificate to say the dog is docked in accordance with the law.

A person commits an offence if the tail is docked on any dog in England and Wales, which is not a certified working dog. if you own a dog with a docked tail you need to prove that it is certified. Or that it was docked before the commencement date of this section.

It is an offence to show a dog with a docked tail at a show to which the members of the public have paid money to watch. Unless the tail was docked before this became law in April 2007 in England. 

Section 7

Section 7 deals with the administration of poison, it is an offence to administer any poisonous substances whether in the form or drugs or poisonous plants which you are aware are harmful. It is an offence to allow anyone else to administer poisonous substances to a dog and you are aware of the harm unless this is advised by a Vet for medical reasons.

As a Dog-related business, I need to be aware of any poisonous plants in my garden as the dogs are my responsibility and as a professional, if a dog was to ingest any poisons whether plant-based or something as simple as bleach on the floor which I have just mopped. If the dog licks the floor at some point after mopping and has an adverse reaction which causes the dog to suffer I am guilty of an offence.

Part of the licensing conditions for related businesses advises using dog-friendly products on the floors and surfaces where the dog has access.

Section 8

Dog Fighting is covered under section 8, Dog fighting brings BSL to mind, you think of Pit Bulls, Larger ferocious type dogs. Whilst this is not always the case, a person commits an offence if he causes an animal fight to take place, or attempts to do so.

To receive any money in relation to dog fighting is an offence, advertising an animal fight or providing information about one is an offence. It is illegal to gamble on dog fights, to take part in a dog fight have anything in your possession relating to dog fighting with the intention to use it. It is an offence to train your dog aggressively with an intention for dog fighting.

It is an offence to attend a dog fight, to supply a video, show or digitally stream a video even to possess a video recording of a dog fight. Video footage filmed outside the UK is not included here.

 

UK Dog Law 3

UK Dog Law 3

by | Nov 11, 2019 | GGL Pet Services, News

UK Dog Law Part 3

  • Reasonable Care
  • Leash Laws
  • Accidents involving Dogs
  • Dog Fouling
  • PSPO’s
  • Motorway Driving

Reasonable Care

As the owner or carer of a dog, you need to exert Reasonable Care, especially when taking a dog for a walk, on or near a road.

The Highway Code Rule 56 explains;  A dog cannot be out on the road on its own, it MUST be in the care of an appropriate adult and kept on a short lead.A public highway meaning a Pavement, a Road or Path including Bridleways. Any place shared with the public, cyclists, horseriders etc.

Reasonable care taken from (thefreedictionary.com) is:

the degree of caution and concern for the safety of himself/herself and others an ordinarily prudent and rational person would use in the circumstances. This is a subjective test of determining if a person is negligent, meaning he/she did not exercise reasonable care.

You should be aware of the laws, and also your dog’s behaviour.  You should have relevant knowledge and understanding. Quite a lot of responsibility.

The term ‘Reasonable Care’ is commonly used in law to give an indication of a standard allowing the variation of circumstances an element of flexibility.

A Level of care in specific circumstances is expected but not an absolute, therefore allowing for consideration not demanding a set criterion to be fulfilled.

An example would be; If your dog cuts his leg whilst on his morning walk, you have a duty of care towards your dog to keep him healthy.

Whilst you are expected to take the dog to a Vet, it would be advised that you also take a Canine First Aid course so you can be better prepared for emergencies. This would show reasonable care.

If your garden backs onto a road, you must ensure that the fence is adequate and escape-proof. This is reasonable care.
You would, however, be excused liability if your garden had a public right of access and a rambler left the gate open. This is the same for Sheep, Cattle and Horses.

Leash Laws

The Highway Code rule 56 says: Do not let a dog out on the road on its own. Keep it on a short lead when walking on the pavement, road or path shared with cyclists, horse riders, and pedestrians. This includes bridleways.

The Road Traffic ACT 1988 section 27 Control of Dogs on Road says: Anyone who allows a dog to be on a designated road without being held on a lead, is guilty of an offence. It specifies that all dogs should be kept under control by the owner, or whoever is in charge of the dog at that time. Reasonable care must be taken to ensure the dog does not cause injury or damage by straying onto a road.

The person walking a dog must also be deemed able to control it. For example, A 50kg Rottweiler escapes from the control of a 5-year-old child and causes a road accident. As the keeper of the dog in this instance is a child, the parent would be liable as reasonable care had not been taken to prevent the dog from escaping.

Exemptions to leash laws: It does not apply to any pack of hounds, or any dog being used for sporting purposes. Any dog being used for the capture or destruction of vermin. Any dog while being used for the herding of cattle or sheep. Any dog being used in rescue work, or any dog registered with the guide dog for the blind association. Any dog while being used on official duties by a member of the police or armed forces.  However, the dog must be actively engaged in this duty at the time, and not just out for a walk with his owner.

Accidents involving Dogs

If you hit a dog with your car, you must stop, try to locate the owner or contact the police. If a member of the public or the owner asks you for your name, address and contact details in relation to the incident, you must tell them. If you do not give your details you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours.

You must do this whether the animal was killed or injured or not, and you must do this for Dogs, Horses, Cattle, Pigs, Goats, Sheep, Donkeys and Mules……….But this does not apply to Cats!
There are exclusions to the rules which are dependent on the vehicle classification. Exceptions under Section 189 of the Highways act are:

Mechanically propelled vehicles for the purpose of cutting grass controlled by a pedestrian, and not capable of modification for another purpose. E.g. a lawnmower
Any propelled vehicle controlled by a pedestrian as stated under section 140 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. (E.g.
Electric bicycles as per the regulation and power output) including mobility scooters.
If the dog is carried within or on the propelled vehicle

Dog Fouling
We have a Legal duty to clean up after our dog unless you are registered blind of course. So you are duty-bound to pick up any mess your dog leaves in all public spaces.  This is to stop the spread of disease.  Failing to do so can lead to an on the spot fine, which can cost £75 and you could be taken to court if you persist.In court, you can face up to £1000 fine plus legal expenses.

Dog Faeces can carry parasites which can cause the spread of disease, some of these infectious parasites can carry harmful infections to humans like Toxocariasis. (NHS UK) says: 

“Toxocariasis is a rare infection caused by roundworm parasites. Humans can catch it from handling soil or sand contaminated with infected animal faeces. Roundworm parasites are most commonly found in cats, dogs and foxes, and usually affect young children. This is because children are more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil when they play and put their hands in their mouths. However, cases have been reported in people of all ages”.

Some spaces are exempt from liability these include Agricultural Land, Woodland, Rural Common Land, Marshland and Heathland, and on highways with a speed limit of 50mph or over.
Bins are provided by the council for you to place the used bag into, However, where there are no bins available, you are to carry the bag(s) home with you and put it into your own dustbin.

Estimates put the UK dog population between 6.5 and 7.4 million, producing 1,000 tonnes of faeces every day says Keep Britain Tidy.

PSPO (public space protection order)

Under recent legislation, the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Local authorities were passed powers to produce Public Space Protection Orders; these include Dog Control and behaviour.
Parks and recreational areas, Shopping Centres stipulate that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
Other orders include No more than 4 dogs walked at a time, clear up any faeces, and carry poo bags.  Do not enter certain parts of the area, like a play park.

The Public Space Protection Orders are usually found in parks, and places where there are children and a high volume of people, it also includes Farmland.
These spaces are well signed at the entrance.
Local councils must let the public know where PSPOs are in place. This information is usually found on their website.
If dogs are not allowed in a park, there must be signs saying so.
If the council plans to put a new PSPO in place, They must put up a notice and publish it on their website.  It will tell you where the PSPO will apply and show you a map of the area.

For not adhering to these PSPO’s you can be fined £100 on the spot (a ‘Fixed Penalty Notice’) or up to £1,000 if it goes to court.

There are exemptions to the order;
It does not apply to any pack of hounds, or any dog being used for sporting purposes. Any dog being used for the capture or destruction of vermin. Any dog while being used for the herding of cattle or sheep. Any dog being used in rescue work, or any dog registered with the guide dog for the blind association. Any dog while being used on official duties by a member of the police or armed forces.  However, the dog must be actively engaged in this duty at the time, and not just out for a walk with his owner.

Motorway Rules

Reasonable Care is required when driving with a Dog(s) in your car; they must be suitably restrained in a dog harness, crate, or a Dog Guard between you and them so as to avoid any distractions, injury to yourself or the dog(s) if you have to stop suddenly. (Rule 57 of The Highway Code).

If you are driving along a Motorway towing a Horse trailer or a large vehicle transporting animals, you cannot use the Right Hand Lane. Your maximum speed limit is 60mph.

If your car breaks down on the Motorway and you have animals/dogs in the car, you must NOT let them out of the car. Unless directed to do so by a police officer. If you are involved in an accident they must be properly restrained if removed from the vehicle and must stay on the side of the road out of the way of traffic until help comes.

(The Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) Regulations 1982), section 14, contains the rules governing the handling of animals on motorways.
Under this act, it is an offence to remove or permit an animal to leave a vehicle whilst the vehicle is on the motorway.  It is also an offence to allow the dog to escape from the vehicle, or be removed from the vehicle. If the vehicle needs to be evacuated for safety reasons The dog must be kept only on the motorway verge, on a suitable lead under proper control whilst you wait for assistance.

(Liam Deacon) (12.4.2019) wrote in (The Daily Star) ‘Pet dog dies after ‘leaping from car window on M5 motorway’ Sadly the owner had the dog in the front seat, unsecured and the window of the car was open, the dog jumped out whilst they were traveling at speed and was killed by oncoming traffic.
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/pet-dog-dies-hit-car-17115873

The rules apply to all animals, including those being towed on a trailer, like livestock or horses. Any person in charge and responsible for the animals at the time of an incident must obey the rules. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.
Animals being herded on a road or country lane should be kept under control at all times. Ideally with someone at the front of the herd warning oncoming traffic and someone at the back keeping the herd moving forward.  It is best to herd during daylight hours but if you have to do it when it is dark, wear reflective clothing. The person at the front should hold a white light and the person at the back should use a red one so that any traffic can see them from both directions.  For more information see Rule 58 of the Highway Code

UK Dog Law 3

UK Dog Law 2

by | Nov 11, 2019 | GGL Pet Services, News

UK Dog Law Part 2

 

  • ID Collars
  • Stray Dogs

ID Collars 

The Control of Dogs Order 1992 says that every dog, whilst in a public place or on a highway, shall wear a collar with ID inscribed on the collar or badge attached to it.
This does not include dogs while being used for sporting purposes, or dogs used for the capture or destruction of vermin. Dogs herding sheep or cattle, or any dog being used by the police, customs, or the army.  Any dog being used for search and rescue and any dog registered with the guide dogs for the blind association are also exempt.  But only whilst they are in the line of duty.  The Law still applies to these dogs when they are not at work. 

Dog ID Collars/Tags should include your postcode and contact number. For my business, I use collars with my business name and phone number embroidered on them. 

(The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015) mean that from 6 April 2016, every dog that is older than 8 weeks must be microchipped. 

Breeders must ensure that their puppies are microchipped before they leave for their new home. 

When you purchase or re-home a dog the new owner must inform the database company who have the microchip details. 

You should check that the rescue centre or original owner has done this. 

No owner can transfer a dog to a new owner until it has been microchipped.  or unless a certificate has been issued by a Vet, stating that the dog should not be microchipped for health reasons. 

You still need to use an ID collar or Tags if you are out and about.  

My local Council says on their website: 

“Every dog must wear a collar with the name and address of its owner attached to it whilst out on a public highway.
Having the correct identification means that if your dog strays, it can be returned to you quickly.
If the Council catches a stray dog and the owner can’t be traced, the dog will be kept in boarding kennels at the owner’s expense. If the dog is not collected within seven days, it could be re-homed, sold or destroyed. 
Owners of dogs without identification can be fined up to £5000.
If your dog is collected you will be charged and fines or kennels costs before it is returned. As it is an offence to allow a dog to stray, owners of persistently straying dogs may be prosecuted”. 

Stray Dogs 

Dogs found wandering around without a visible owner on a public highway is classed as stray. 

A public highway is any public road or public right of way, any public place including shopping centres, parks, resorts and bridleways, 

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 section 68 removes the responsibility of the police for dealing with stray dogs.
It repeals section 3 of the Dogs Act 1906, which enabled the police to seize and detain stray dogs. 

This is now the responsibility of the Local Councils. 

The police still have powers to seize and detain stray dogs under the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 1953. 

Legislation covering Stray Dogs is also covered in:  Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environmental Protection (Stray Dogs) Regulations 1992 the Control of Dogs Order 1992.’ 

Any Dog without its owner and not under the control of anyone can be seized and detained as a stray dog by the Council Dog Warden. 

‘Where a Warden finds a dog in a public place, a dog he believes to be stray, he can seize and detain it. However, if the dog is on private land the Warden must first get the permission of the landowner or occupier of the premises. 

If you find a stray dog, you cannot take that dog home and keep it for your own, nor can you sell the dog or give it away.  You need to first check for a collar and any Identification on or attached to it and return it to the owner. 

If there is no ID, you should contact the local Council Dog Wardens; they will scan the dog for a Microchip and attempt to contact the owners,
The Dog Wardens will take the dog to their kennels and keep it for 7 days before re-homing, selling or destroying the dog. 

There is a dog seized register which can be viewed at your local council
Stray Dogs cannot be sold for vivisection
Should you wish to keep a stray dog, you must ask the Dog Wardens.  In some circumstances, this may be possible but there are procedures that have to be followed. 

I found an interesting discussion on (The Digital Spy) (31.7.2008) [online] (public forum) where a man had been prosecuted and fined in a magistrate’s court for his dog straying multiple times and having no ID Collar. The man was fined £600 The discussion itself shows a variety of different opinions and some even regarding the law on ID Collars as another way of making money. 

https://forums.digitalspy.com/discussion/

 

 
Puppy Talk

Puppy Talk

by | Dec 17, 2018 | GGL Pet Services, News

Week 1 to 4
The puppy has just been born, Mom will take care of the main needs at this point, She will need time to bond with her litter and won’t need much assistance from ourselves. Puppies are fragile little things and it is best to leave Mom to it, picking up the small pups could cause stress, so very little human interaction is the best thing at this point.

During this period and whilst their eyes are still shut, you can influence the puppies experiences, by looking after mom, your presence and smells will be noticed by the puppies. If mom is happy with you stroking the puppies gently, then do so briefly. They can sense the pressure change in their little bodies, and they can smell you.

Textures & Smells
Once the puppy opens his eyes, he can see and hear you. He will want to explore more and at this point, you should increase handling. It is a good time to introduce multiple human voices so they can get used to the sounds.
This will help eliminate fear and the puppy will gain confidence around humans.  It can be a good time to introduce background noises, opening the windows for sounds of traffic, low playing cd tapes of thunder or fireworks, just so they can desensitise to the sounds.

As the puppy grows it will be more confident around the loud noises.

The puppy will want to explore their immediate area and will probably be everywhere they can get to.
You will need to make sure there are no hazards, like trailing wires, or sharp edges. Ensure they are in a controlled environment where they cannot get into mischief and injure themselves.
It is a good time to introduce toys, different textures and flooring. A piece of lino can be placed in their pen, introduce them to carpets, wooden and Tiled floors.  If the puppy is entering other rooms then this must be supervised and they must not be left unattended.

Week 4 to 14
This is the time when social learning is critical,
the puppy should now be used to humans and needs as many positive introductions as possible.
Meeting children, babies, men, women, old people.
This is a good time to introduce the dog to a grooming brush.
Checking ears and eyes, so they get used to being handled by you and different people.
Opening the mouth to check teeth is another good practice.
This will all help when it is time to introduce them to the Vet.

When the puppy is vaccinated introducing your pup to other dogs is important. Introductions should be done in a controlled environment, This is of paramount importance, you don’t want to give your puppy a bad experience at such a young age.
A puppy may not be Vaccinated until around 9 months onwards. The puppy will miss out on a lot of learning opportunities, but you can get a titre test and speak with your Vet, who will advise the best course of action.
Puppy Classes are a good way of socialising your puppy, but please make sure it is a reputable class with only a small group of around 4-6 pups.

Traffic and the outside world
As you start to walk outside with your puppy on a lead, you must slowly and calmly introduce them to traffic, such as bikes, buses, pushchairs.
You sometimes see dogs who snap and struggle to get free from a lead if a large sided vehicle comes passed. Desensitising your puppy to these things will avoid a situation like that in later years.
Flooding your puppy with sounds and sights which are scary is not going to help this matter.  Don’t take your puppy to a busy junction and stand at the edge of the kerb, this will be a very negative experience and your puppy may never recover from it, thus creating many unwanted behaviours.
Desensitise from a distance, so that the noises can be heard but not to the point where the ground is vibrating under their feet.
Constantly reassure the dog at this time, food treats are a good thing to help make the situation into a more positive one, distracting his attention from the big scary noise and huge high sided vehicle, which could be a tractor or an HGV to me and you.
Doing this periodically will help the puppy acclimatise to their surroundings.
Taking him for a drive in the car as long as he is secure and safe inside the car. This may help him see the traffic close up and he will be able to travel in the car without trauma.

Inside the Home
Not forgetting the simple household things that are used nearly every day. The Hoover and washing machine needs to be taken into consideration.
It really is anything and everything at this point, including his collar, lead harness. Everything your dog is introduced to must have a positive outcome.
Things can sometimes, not, go according to plan, this is life, but as long as we recognise when the puppy is having a negative experience, we can remove him from the situation and re-introduce him to it again later on.
At home, the most basic things need to be thought about.
Feed times, food, toilet training, it’s a lot of work so a check sheet or daily schedule is a good idea.
Training doesn’t have to be time-consuming and frustrating, Just take your time, and don’t put too many demands on the puppy, he needs to play and enjoy himself as well.
Short sessions, always ending with an exercise he can perform well, sit, for instance.
As long as the puppy is set up to succeed at the end of each session  the whole lesson experience will be positive and rewarding, the dog will eventually become habituated to it.

 

UK Dog Law 3

UK Dog Law 1

by | Nov 17, 2018 | GGL Pet Services, News

Some Questions answered:

 

The difference between civil law and criminal law

Civil law incurs no criminal record. It is a case of Liability, brought by an individual or an organisation.
Criminal law can incur a criminal record and is brought to court by the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service). It is a case of “Guilty or Not Guilty,”

How does the law define ownership of a dog?

Ownership of a dog is defined by who is feeding and caring for the dog and where it usually resides.  Microchipping and Pet Insurance are not enough to prove ownership. I am a Licensed Dog Home Boarder and the dogs I look after, that are in my care, (even though I do not own them),  I am classed as their keeper and I am responsible for the dog’s welfare and behaviour. In-Law the Keeper of the Dog and the Owner of the Dog can be different people.

What does Strictly Liable mean? Animals Act 1971 
Strict Liability does not depend on whether there is any intention or negligence on the keeper’s part.  If damage is caused, you are strictly liable.  Where damage is concerned, negligence does not have to be proven.

If you are walking a dog lets say off the lead  and it runs over to another dog, who is on a lead, and starts a fight, in the process the owner of the on lead dog gets bitten. You are strictly liable for the incident.

How is negligence determined?

Negligence does not have to be determined; if damage is caused then negligence is present. As with the example above.  If you are aware that your dog has the potential or inclination to harm another person and cause injury or fear and you do not take precautions to protect the public, you are negligent.

What are the possible exceptions to liability?

If the person who is affected by the damage “injury” is deemed to be completely to blame for the damage. provoking a dog to bite you for instance.
If the person sustaining the damage voluntarily ‘accepted the risk’. For example.  The person had full knowledge of the dog’s behaviour beforehand.
Animals kept on-premises or in a structure where the person who sustained the damage was trespassing.  So if a Trespassers such as a burglar was entering your home without permission, with the intent of committing a crime, and your Dog attacked them, there would be no case to answer.  The  Burglar would, however, need to be inside or partly inside your home.  Your Garden and even your car are now classed as a public place. If on the other hand, you ordered your dog to Attack a Trespasser you would be charged with a criminal offence, such as malicious wounding and as a result, quite a long prison sentence can be expected.