Our Christmas Advice

Seasonal Tips For Dog Owners:

 

Christmas and the New Year is a time of joy and cheer for us and our families and is also often a time of stress, rushing about and pulling your hair out!
Here are some handy tips for you to help maintain your sanity and keep you and your dog happy and safe over the festive season.

Your Christmas Tree & Decorations:

Once a year we fill our rooms up with trees, dangling objects, lights and even hang food around in odd places. We know what is going on, but our dogs probably just think we have gone a bit nuts in the nicest of ways!

Electrics: Make sure you keep your tree lights and any other electrical decorations safely out of your dogs reach-especially if your dog is inclined to investigate or chew through exposed electrical cord. Electrocution can easily be caused.

Trees: If you have a real tree, the needles which fall daily can become stuck in your dog’s paws and are also dangerous if eaten, vacuum daily and keep your dog (and other animals) away from them. Don't let your dog drink the tree water. Some dogs like to mark out against them (why else did human bring a tree indoors but to save going out in the cold?) so bear that in mind too!

Tree Decor: From a dogs point of view – the Christmas tree with its dangling goodies is pretty tempting and begging to be investigated, trees can easily topple over especially once weighed down with decorations and lights etc so try to secure the tree down so it does not fall over so easily if bumped into by your dog (or wagging tail). Trees do tend to look better by the window rather than being worn round the house by your enthusiatic dog!

Dogs can easily be caught up in tinsel and find hanging decorations particularly appealing and ripe for pulling off. Life will be a lot easier and safer if you limit your dog’s access to the area if you need to and don’t leave tree and dog unattended!

Plants: Many Christmas plants including Mistletoe, Holly, Pot Pourrie and Poinsettias are toxic, keep them out of your dogs reach and seek immediate veterinary advice if you think your pet has ingested.

 

Decorations: Those which are edible (or not when they are ten years old) to humans, e.g. hanging chocolate tree decorations may be sniffed out by your dog with his amazing nose detection capabilities, so keep these away. Chocolate is just pure poison to your dogs system, tinsel, tin foil, cling film etc can also be dangerous if swallowed and cause serious internal problems. Fairy lights look lovely, problems can arise when dogs get tangled up in any loose wires left lying around.
Spray snow - the type in the cans, is attractive on the insides of your windows, check you dog isn't interested in licking/scratching it off, chemicals=poisons.

Blu-tack and similar adhesives may cause drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhoea if eaten by your dog. Silica gel found in packaging can have the same affect-contact your vet for advice.

Plastic bags and balloons are also a hazard-keep them away from your dog.

Candles: If you like to use candles-do place where your dog, e.g. your dogs waggy tail, will not accidentally knock over.

Christmas Presents:

Your goodies: Many dogs will be intrigued by the sudden appearance of wrapped boxes and who could blame them, so if you don’t want yours unwrapped by Santa’s little helper, keep them boxes hidden!

Wrappings, trimmings etc can be very dangerous if chewed or swallowed, so keep safely away when not in use & bin after.

Doggie presents: Make sure your dogs own Christmas present(s) are ’dog proof’ – suitable for your dog, robust enough and safe for use.

Christmas Day can in some households seem like a day gone mad from a dog's view, then there is the excitement of the present opening, the paper, the noise, all those socks too!

If you have more than one dog and are giving out a present to each dog bear in mind how each dog is going to react with their new possession around the other dogs, sharing might be right out the window to begin with. Give your dogs space and maintain control - it's not like you 're too busy right? You are after all supermum and superdad - dogs need your help too.

Festive Food, more food, did I mention there's more food and treats:

Some of the foods we love to fill up on over Christmas are actually toxic for our dogs.

It can be a tough job to keep a watch on your dog even with the extra set of eyes you have developed in the back of your head, but you'll need to be one step ahead.

Cooked foods left on top of the oven are very tempting to your dog and many a time the whole lot has been reached and knocked back in one or two gulps; bones, trimmings, stuffing the lot-this can lead to an expensive out-of-hours veterinary visit or if you are lucky it will pass though and you will need one hell of a shovel or plastic bag out in the garden on Boxing Day, plus you've missed your lunch so watch out.

Diet - We often get carried away with extra festive treats and unusual foods this time of year, it’s nice to include our dogs and treat them too – but don’t forget that a sudden intake of unusual foods, or too much of anything is likely to cause diarrhoea and/or vomiting, so watch out for how much and what exactly your dog is being offered - keep an eye on any guests sneaking in the treats too, or Fido will end up with an upset tummy and it could be a messy and uncomfortable Christmas!

Chocolate -  is a definite NO! It contains a chemical called Theobromine which is actually poisonous to dogs and even just a small amount can be lethal for some. Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures and death. If you want to treat your dog – buy treats designed for dogs, our rescue dogs loves to chew on a carrot or apple, keep them safe and keep them healthy. If you suspect chocolate poisoning – contact a vet immediately.

Sweetcorn -  isn’t digested and corn on the cob is very dangerous, cobs can easily cause an obstruction which will require surgery to remove if it doesn’t kill your dog. If you have corn on the cob-dispose of the cobs where your dog can’t reach and never ever feed to your dog.

Bones - you may have more cooked meats around and your dog is sure to have spotted exactly where all his goodies are! Bones can be dangerous, cooked ones becoming brittle and easily breaking into sharp pieces which can choke a dog, don’t give anything you wouldn’t usually.

Coffee – alcohol – sweets - yummy for us but NO NO NO for our canine friends. Give your dog a nice Christmas and keep well away.

Grapes, raisins and sultanas should not be fed to your dog, these are now known to be toxic to dogs and can cause poisoning. Cases of kidney failure have been documented. Other foods such as liquorice, avocados, onions and some nuts can also cause problems.

A poisons leaflet produced by the British Veterinary Association is available online here.


Fun, parties & visitors over the holidays:

Some dogs will enjoy extra people around, for some it can be very stressful-just because you are enjoying 'festive fun' it, doesn't mean your dog must too.

If you’re hosting a party/get together: Some dogs will becomeoverexcited or frightened when around unusual noises such as children toys, balloons popping, party bangers, flashing lights etc and intoxicated visitors can also cause a dog to feel uneasy - being grabbed, cuddled and told your a good boy over and over by auntie who has hit the sherry early is not a dog's idea of a fun day out, so plan in advance to help keep your best friend relaxed.

If your dog is known not to cope well with these types of situations, or you haven't owned your dog long enough to find out, don't take chances, be ready with your dog's 'retreat area':

Make sure your dog(s) has a retreat somewhere familiar where he can go and relax away from all the noise and excitement if he needs too or you need to put him somewhere safe, for example a room upstairs or a dog crate somewhere familiar and quiet. This is especially important if you are likely to become putting it bluntly - drunk and not much use to your dog. Provide some favourite chews, or a stuffed Kong to help keep him occupied,where he likes to be, leave the radio/TV on to help block out some noise, make sure he has the remote control handy too but don’t let him on the karaoke! Exercise in advance to help him settle down whilst you get on enjoying yourself!

Try plugging in a DAP diffuser two weeks before your busiest week and keep it plugged in over the Xmas to help relax your dog if needed.

Extra guests: Many households will receive extra guests, relatives and often young children, so bear in mind that if your dog isn’t used to the extra attention, noise etc, have a quiet retreat as mentioned above. If your dog is happy mixing (not the cocktails hopefully) - keep an eye out for him becoming too excited and step in if that is the case.

Ground Rules: When your family and friends arrive, try laying down some house rules - ask your guests not to overfeed your dog or leave food and alcohol on the floor to help keep party food and drinks out of reach to your dog. But remember, when the booze is flowing, rules are out the window so be prepared in advance, you don't want to end up trying to pull a trapped object out of your dog's throat after he's just found himself a plateful under the chair.

Children: Letting off steam at Christmas is all part of the fun, they are off school, enjoying themselves, excited and often charging about. Parents are knackered, stressed out and tired. It's at times like this when dogs can be let down unintentionally and placed in awkward situations.

Please do not leave children and dogs alone attended-always make sure children and dogs are supervised by a competent adult at all times. If it is too much for your dog - just remove your dog from the situation, be vigilant and prevent accidents.
Exercise: Try your best to keep your dogs normal routine as much as possible – getting away from the washing up with the excuse of walking the dog does come in handy!

Fireworks are often used over the holiday season, especially on New Years Eve, read up on our firework advice here.

Extra people in and out increases the risk of your dog being let out of your home by mistake; always make sure doors are closed and that you know where your dog is - safely inside. Each year dogs go missing during the holiday period - is your dog wearing a collar and Id tag, is your dog identi-chipped?

Pain killers and human drugs for hangovers etc often get left lying around and these packets can be of interest to your dog, if you think your dog has swallowed-contact you vet.

Travelling: If you are visiting and taking your dog with you – don’t forget to pack his bag too! Check in advance that your dog is welcome, exercise beforehand to help him settle down when you get there, take a bit of his bedding, water bowl, own food, toy etc.

Record your vets number somewhere safe, just in case, be careful and give your dog a big hug from us this Xmas!

 

Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year to you all and your dogs!

 

Copyright © 2012 Endangered Dogs Defence and Rescue Ltd

Public Consultation – Dangerous Dogs Act – Wales:

Last opportunity to have your say -  the deadline is 21st December 2012:

 

Your views are being sought on a government proposal to increase the fee to add a prohibited type of dog (section one of the Dangerous Dogs Act) to the Index of Exempted Dogs.

The application fee is currently set at £24 (£20+VAT) and is proposed to increase to £92 approx. (77+VAT).

Currently pet owners who have been through the court system, based mainly on their dog’s appearance, will need to complete the exemption process, within two calendar months, if the court orders exemption as the alternative to destruction of their dog. They may have to find hundreds of pounds in relation to this for example kennel boarding and court costs, neutering, tattoo, insurance and in some cases veterinary and health costs once their dog is released to them from custody.

This is a Defra consulatation specifically for Wales as a previous consultation asked for views on a proposed increase in this fee for dog owners in England. We contacted Defra to ask them if there will be a separate consultation for Scotland and they replied there is not one planned at this time.

We wrote to Defra to ask them if those outside of Wales could participate in this consultation and to confirm what is proposed, they replied:

“The consultation proposal to increase the fee to place a dog on the Index of Exempted Dogs on the is aimed at Wales only because we have already consulted in England, as part of Defra’s wider package of proposals to tackle irresponsible dog ownership (the consultation in England ran from 23 April to 15 June 2012). 

All the other proposals will apply to England only, whilst the proposal to increase the Index fee will affect both England and Wales.

We propose increasing the fee from £20+VAT to £77+VAT to reflect the full cost of administering the Index.

Link to consultation documents: http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2012/10/26/exempted-dogs-fees-wales/

If you did not respond to the England only consultation, we would welcome your comments to this consultation.”

The Consultation Summary:

Defra is seeking views from Wales on a proposed increase in the fee for placing a dog on the Index of Exempted Dogs.

The proposal has already been consulted upon in England as part of a package of measures aimed at tackling irresponsible ownership of dogs. However, the other proposals would apply to England only. The Index of Exempted Dogs applies to Wales as well as England.

How to respond:

Please send responses to either:

Hugh Togher-Animal Welfare Team
Defra
Area 8B, 9 Millbank
c/o 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR.
Tel: 020 7238 5991

or email:  animalwelfare.consultations@defra.gsi.gov.uk

 

New Dog Law for Wales:

Public Consultation – Control of Dogs (Wales) Bill

This public consultation began on the 23/11/2012 and closes on the 01/03/2013.

Your opinions are being sought in a public consultation which is asking for your views on a proposed Bill - the ‘Control of Dogs (Wales) Bill.

The welsh Assembly plan to introduce the proposed Bill in Spring 2013 and if the Bill was passed by the Welsh Assembly, the legislation which includes changes in current law would apply Wales.

The proposals include:

- The introduction of ‘dog control notices’ (DCNs).

- The extension of Section three (which applies to all breeds/types of dog) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to cover any place (i.e. inside your home) whether or not a public place in Wales.

- The extension of Section Three, aggravated and non-aggravated, of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 which currently applies to a person and under the proposed changes would be extended to also apply to - all protected animals (protected animals are defined under the Animal Welfare Act and include dogs and cats).

For example; your dog chasing a cat in your garden could become a criminal offence in Wales, as could your dog defending your home from a burglar – there are no defences given in the draft Bill.

- An amendment to Section one (4A) offences and section 4b applications (DDA 1991, as amended)

There are also changes proposed on the draft Bill relating to those found guilty of being a prohibited type - the breed specific element of the DDA legislation – currently the court can order a dog is exempted once satisfied that the dog would not ‘constitute a danger to public safety’ – the Welsh Bill seeks to amend this – the court would also need to be satisfied the dog would not constitute a danger to the safety of protected animals (for example other dogs and cats).

If the court is unable to order exemption the only other alternative is a death sentence and this is based largely on how a dog looks –its physical appearance.
It is a dismal state of affairs that the Welsh government do not propose to scrap flawed BSl altogether and lead the way out of the dark ages, but no, they intend to make exemption more difficult which as it stands will result in the deaths of even more innocent family companions and there are also plans to increase the exemption fee-payable to the Index of Exempted Dogs which is run by Defra.

The full details of the consultation are available online here

To download your consultation explanation and questions go here

To read the draft Bill which is proposed and will affect dogs and their owners in Wales can be found here

How to respond:

Please submit your comments by 01 March 2013, in any of the following ways:

Email:
companionanimalwelfare@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Post:
Animal Welfare Team
Environment and Sustainable Development Department
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff CF10 3NQ

'Control of Dogs' Bill - Wales:

The Welsh government has announced it intends to introduce a new ‘control of dogs’ bill in Spring 2013. If passed through the Welsh Assembly the bill would become new legislation which will be applied to Wales (not England, Scotland or NI).

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones stated that the new bill to ‘tackle dangerous dogs’ will be among the Government’s legislative priorities and said:

“Last year I set out the Welsh Government’s five year legislative programme of over 20 bills to help improve public services and create opportunities for everyone.
“When I announced our legislative programme I said we would consult and engage with the public and stakeholders through Green and White Papers and strike the right balance between what is on the face of an Assembly Bill and what detail is left to subordinate legislation. We have done exactly that."

It isn’t yet possible to read the details contained within the Bill, the pre-ballot information below gives some detail. The main points of change, if passed would be:

• The compulsory micro-chipping of dog by a specified date*
• The extension of section 3 of the DDA** to cover all places
• The introduction of Dog Control Notices which are issued by local authorities and the courts

 * Could be introduced under section 12 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, enforcement would be the responsibility of local authorities.
** Dangerous Dogs Act - section three - applies to all types and breeds of dogs.

The announcement has been made whilst the public consultation, asking for views and opinions on the compulsory microchipping of dogs, is still in progress (ending on 8th August).

Bill-041 - Julie Morgan - Control of Dogs (Wales) Bill
Pre-ballot Information - Policy Objectives of the Bill:

1. Owning a dog brings many responsibilities for the dog owner and the Bill will highlight these and seek to promote the welfare of dogs through responsible care and control by owners.

2. The law currently requires every dog to wear a collar and identification disc specifying the name and address of the owner. However, in practice this legal requirement neither deters theft of a dog nor provides a fail safe way of identifying and tracing the owner of a dog. The fitting of an electronic transponder to a pet (commonly called “micro-chipping”) is now recognised by animal welfare agencies as the most effective and secure way of permanently identifying a pet. A unique identification number is registered to the animal and the owner's details are placed on a national database.

3. The Bill will provide for the compulsory micro-chipping of dogs in Wales by a specified date, the setting up and management of such local and national databases as are necessary, and the compulsory registration of information including the unique identification number and name and address of the owner with sanctions, including penal, where an owner or other relevant person in charge of a dog fails to do so.

4. The Bill will focus on the "deed not the breed" approach in tackling irresponsible dog ownership and will seek to identify dogs which are deemed “out of control” at an early stage with a view to taking measures which are likely to change the behaviour of these dogs and their owners before the dogs become dangerous.

5. The Bill will widen the scope for local authorities and courts to intervene where a dog's behaviour is deemed to be out of control. The Bill will define categories of persons in charge of a dog and their responsibilities and set out the circumstances when a dog is deemed to be out of control. It will set up a scheme for bringing dogs deemed to be out of control back within control, harnessing the expertise and skills of existing local authority officers, relevant persons in the employment of animal welfare agencies and others. The Bill will make provision for Welsh Ministers to issue guidance where appropriate.

6. The scheme will, inter alia, empower a local authority to serve a notice in writing on a person in charge of a dog when it is satisfied that the dog is deemed to be out of control. The purpose of the notice is to ensure the person having charge of the dog brings and keeps the dog under control. The Bill will provide that a notice can require a person in charge of a dog to take one or more stipulated steps including:

a) If the dog is not already micro-chipped, comply by a specified date;
b) ensure the premises where the dog is kept are suitable, appropriate for its welfare and safety and secure;
c) keep the dog on a lead and muzzle it at specified times and/or in specified places;
d) keep the dog out of specified places or areas;
e) neuter the dog if male; and
f) together with the dog, undergo and successfully complete an accredited training course in the control of dogs.

7. This list in paragraph 6 is illustrative and not exhaustive; Welsh Ministers will be empowered to add by Order other steps which may be included in the notice; other steps which the local authority in the exercise of its discretion considers necessary may also be included in the notice.

8. The Bill will provide for other information to be set out in the notice, empower Welsh Ministers to prescribe its format and afford a right of appeal to the courts against the service of the notice or its content together with a right to apply to vary or discharge the notice after a period of time in force and a right of appeal against refusal.

9. The Bill will place a duty on local authorities to keep a record of notices served and monitor and enforce compliance. It will also empower a local authority to apply to the court for an order destroying a dog where a dog is out of control and dangerous or unresponsive and it is inappropriate to serve a notice

10. The Bill will confer on the courts:
a) power to enforce and effect compliance with a notice;
b) where the court thinks fit, power to direct a local authority to serve a notice, the court to specify the steps to be included in such a notice;
c) power to make a destruction order in the circumstances described in paragraph a) above; and
d) such other powers as are necessary.

11. The Bill will also amend the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 so that a dog owner can be held criminally responsible where a dog is found to be dangerously out of control in any place (rather than, as is the present case, only a public place or private place where a dog is not permitted to be). This will meet the case of postal and other workers vulnerable to attack when the individual’s work expressly requires him/her to enter on to premises where a dog is permitted to be.

12. The Bill will provide for any consequential amendments or repeals of existing legislation applicable in Wales within the Assembly’s legislative competence.

A public consultation seeking views on the compulsory microchipping of dogs was held by the Welsh Assembly and ended on the 8th August 2012.

Anti-BSL Peaceful Protests-UK

These peaceful protests have been organised through the social networking site - Facebook, the events are not organised by us.


A-Z. For details, information and updates, please visit each link to find out more:


Belfast - Peaceful Protest for Lennox
Saturday 11th August
1-4pm
Outside Belfast City Hall
BT1 5GS
Event Details


Birmingham Peaceful Protest against BSl
Saturday 15th September
11-3pm
Victoria Square, Waterloo Street


Cardiff Anti-BSL Peaceful Protest
Meeting at the Anirin Beven statue at the bottom of Queen Street
Saturday 28th July
11am - 3pm


Crawley Peaceful Protest Against BSL
Crawley, West Sussex -meet by the bandstand in the main Queens square from 12 MIDDAY.
Saturday 28th July 2012
12 Noon – 2.30pm
NO DOGS PLEASE


Glasgow Peaceful Protest against BSl marking 21st Anniversary of DDA
Sunday 12th August
12-3pm
George Square G2 1DU


London - Peaceful Protest against BSl marking 21st Anniversary of DDA
Sunday 12th August
12-5pm
Old palace Yard, Westminster SW1
No Dogs
Event Details

Liverpool Peaceful Protest against BSL marking 21st Anniversary of DDA
Saturday 11th August
12noon-4pm
Lime Street Station
Liverpool L1 1JJ
No Dogs
Event Details


Nottingham Peaceful Protest Against BSL
Speakers Corner/Brian Clough Statue at the junction of King Street and Queen Street.
Saturday 28th July 2012
11am – 4pm
Please DO NOT bring dogs.


Peterborough-Anti-BSL Peaceful Protest
Saturday 6th October
11-3pm
The Embankment PE28
No Dogs Please
Click Here

Wolverhampton-Peaceful protest Against BSL
Queens Square, Wolverhampton
Saturday 4th August
11am – 3pm
Click Here

Peaceful Anti-BSL Protests - UK

These peaceful protests have been organised through the facebook social networking site (not by us) where you can find a group/page for each venue, with further information and details. Leave dogs at home unless otherwise stated.

Being held on Saturday 14th July 2012 at 11am.

Six peaceful protests will be taking place around the UK.

These protests will be calling on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to repeal Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Section 1 is Breed Specific Legislation which has been shown as ineffectual with regards to protecting the public and other animals from so-called ‘dangerous’ dog breeds.

We believe that innocent family pets should not be seized simply because of how they look. A large number of dogs who have never shown any aggression, or posed any threat, have been killed or held in secure kennels for months, sometimes years, just because they fit the ‘type’ profile.

Any dog, regardless of breed, can be dangerous when in the wrong hands; it is those wrong hands that the law should focus on. If you believe that it should be the deed, not the breed, join our fight for their right to life by attending one of these peaceful protests:

Check with the groups listed below on facebook in case any details have changed.
Website: Peaceful Protests Around the UK Against the DDA
Email: londonprotest@btinternet.com


Brighton - The Pier, Madeira Drive 11am and then then a walk along to The Ocean Room on Morley Street. No Dogs please. Visit the facebook event page 'Brighton Peaceful Protest Against Sec 1 (BSL) of the DDA'

Cardiff - Meet outside the Castle - Queen Street. Visit the facebook group - 'Welsh Protest Against BSL'

Glasgow - George Square. Visit the facebook group - 'Glasgow Protest Against BSL'

Hampshire - Southsea Common. Visit the facebook group - 'Hampshire Protest March Against BSL'

London - 11am -3pm Old Palace Yard - Westminster. Visit the facebook group 'London Protest March Against BSL' Facebook Event page - 'London Protest Against BSL' Dogs best left at home please

Manchester - Piccadilly Gardens, Visit the facebook event page 'Peaceful Protest Around the UK-Manchester Demo' No Dogs please.



The organisers hope to be making this a yearly event, next year America, Australia and France will be joining in on the same day.
Date to be confirmed and we hope many other countries who are affected by BSL will join.

Sentencing Guideline for Courts - DDA:

Following a public consultation, the Sentencing Council has issued a guideline which has been published both in a Crown Court version and as an update to the Magistrates’ Court Sentencing Guidelines and will be used by the courts in England & Wales from 20 August 2012 when sentencing under the DDA - Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, as amended.

We responded and submitted out views to the sentencing council during the public consultation which received more than 500 responses individuals, judges and magistrates, the police, animal welfare organisations and many others with expertise or interest in the issue.

Sentencing guidelines are used by the courts and set sentencing ranges within current legislation-the actual legislation hasn’t changed. When/if legislation changes, sentencing guidelines are amended as necessary.

This guideline covers six dangerous dog offences in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, as follows;

• owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place, injuring any person;
• owner or person in charge allowing a dog to be in a private place where the dog is not permitted to be, injuring any person;
• owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place;
• owner or person in charge allowing a dog to be in a private place where the dog not permitted to be which makes a person fear injury;
• possession of a prohibited dog (These are the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro); and
• breeding, selling, exchanging or advertising a prohibited dog.

The new sentencing guidelines for courts in England & Wales can be found here;
http://sentencingcouncil.judiciary.gov.uk/guidelines/forthcoming-guidelines.htm

The Sentencing Council issued the following:

A tougher approach to the way those convicted of dangerous dog offences are treated by the courts is contained in a new guideline from the Sentencing Council published today.

In recent years, there have been increasing numbers of convictions for offences involving dangerous dogs, and this new guideline helps ensure courts use their full powers when dealing with offenders.
It aims to provide clear guidance to sentencers so there is a consistent approach to sentencing and appropriate sentences are given to the owners of dangerous dogs.

The sentencing ranges mark an increase in sentencing levels from current practice. The top of the sentencing range for owners allowing their dog to be dangerously out of control injuring someone has been set at 18 months custody in order to encourage the courts to use more severe sentences when it would be appropriate to do so.

The top of the sentencing range for possession of a prohibited dog has been set at the legal maximum of six months custody to encourage courts to use the full range of their sentencing powers for the most serious cases.

The new guideline will mean more offenders will face jail sentences, more will get community orders and fewer will receive discharges.
The guideline will also help courts make the best use of their powers so that irresponsible owners who put the public at risk can be banned from keeping dogs, genuinely dangerous dogs can be put down and compensation can be paid to victims.

The guideline covers the most commonly sentenced offences in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, such as allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control causing injury and possession of a prohibited dog. In situations where someone deliberately sets a dog on another person intending to injure them, the offender is likely to be charged with assault, rather than one of these offences.

Anne Arnold, district judge and member of the Sentencing Council, said:
“We are very grateful to all those who responded to the consultation and helped shape the final guideline. Our draft guideline was well received, but we have listened to respondents and made a number of changes as a result of the consultation to make it as effective as possible.
“Most dog owners are responsible and take good care of their pets, but we’ve seen more and more cases coming before the courts of owners who have put the public at risk or let their dog cause injuries – sometimes very serious – to people.
“As a result, this new sentencing guideline encourages courts to use their full powers when dealing with offenders so that they are jailed where appropriate. It also gives guidance to courts on making the best use of their powers so that people can be banned from keeping dogs, genuinely dangerous dogs can be put down and compensation can be paid to victims.”

Trevor Cooper, Legal Consultant for Dogs Trust, said:
"Dogs Trust welcomes the Guidelines which will assist with the consistency of sentencing in this area. These new guidelines will encourage courts to focus on the key factors of culpability of the owner and the amount of harm to the victim. This tougher approach should serve as a stiff reminder to dog owners to keep their pets under proper control and to behave responsibly.”

Peter Chapman, Chairman of the Magistrates’ Association Sentencing Committee said:
“The Magistrates’ Association welcomes the new guideline as the Sentencing Council has listened and responded to many of our members' concerns about sentencing these cases involving dangerous dogs. For the first time, magistrates will have all they need in one document to help them sentence the offender, disqualify him from future dog ownership if appropriate, order compensation to the victim and order destruction of the dog if necessary.”

The new guideline and associated documents can be downloaded from www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk

Defra Public Consultation-Dogs & the Law

There is still time to have your say on the Defra Public Consultation 2012

This is a public consultation which was launched on the 23rd April 2012 and ends on 15th June 2012.

In April the government announced a package of proposals which they support to ‘tackle irresponsible dog ownership’.

The last Government held a public consultation on the issue of ‘dangerous dogs’ two years ago (full details on our web site.

The current government plans to introduce new measures, some of which will affect all dog owners in England, including

•Extending the criminal offence of allowing a dog to be dangerously out of control to private property (where the dog has a right to be);

•Compulsory micro-chipping of dogs;

•Removing the need to seize and kennel all dogs where court proceeding are pending; and

•Increase the fee for placing a dog on the Index of Exempted Dogs

How you can respond:

Anyone may reply to this consultation. Defra would like to hear from anyone with an interest in responsible dog ownership, including: enforcement agencies; people working with dogs; animal welfare organisations; dog keeping organisations; and the general public.

Responding Online:

You can complete the survey on-line at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/dogsconsultation2012
(This survey does not collect any personal data.)

Responding by Email:

Alternatively, you can e-mail your response to: animalwelfare.consultations@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Responding by Post:

You may also send your comments, or any requests for copies of the documents, by post to:
Dangerous Dogs Team
Animal Welfare
Area 8B, 9 Millbank
c/o 17 Smith Square
London
SW1P 3JR

Any comments on the proposals in this consultation document need to be sent in by 15 June 2012.

Microchipping of Dogs - Welsh Consultation:

Welsh Government Public Consultation 2012 – Microchipping of Dogs:

This consultation will consider whether all dogs in Wales should be microchipped, new plans were put forward this month by the Environment Minister, John Griffiths.

A public consultation, where you can have your say, will run from 16th May 2012 until 8 August 2012. We contacted the Welsh Government to clarify who can respond and they have confirmed that any individual or organisation can participate-the consultation is not confined to Welsh residents.

How To Respond:

Up to the 8th August 2012

You can participate by using:

- the online form: Respond Online Here
- by email to: companionanimalwelfare@wales.gsi.gov.uk
- by post to: Animal Welfare and By-Products Branch, Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ

Welsh Government News Release:

Minister proposes microchipping for all dogs in Wales. New plans to help improve the welfare of all dogs in Wales have been set out by Environment Minister, John Griffiths. Wednesday 16 May 2012The Minister has launched a consultation that considers whether all dogs in Wales should be microchipped. Under the plans information included in the microchip, including details of the pet’s owner, would be recorded on an approved database.

The Welsh Government estimates that there are currently just short of half a million dogs in Wales and that 30% of households in Wales own at least one dog. The plans are aimed at encouraging all dog owners in Wales to take responsibility for their animals in line with the aims of the Animal Health & Welfare Strategy. The Environment Minister said:

“There’s no doubt that Wales is a nation of dog lovers, with around three out ten households in Wales owning at least one dog.
“We believe that the majority of dog owners in W+ales are responsible and take good care of their animals. As a Government we are committed to building on this to ensure high welfare standards for all dogs.

“Microchipping ensures a permanent identification for animals and only needs to be done once in a dog’s life. It makes it easier to reunite lost dogs with their owners, acts as a deterrent against dog theft, and helps to prove dog ownership if there are ever any problems with the animal.
“The consultation sets out five options for how we might drive up levels of microchipping and I welcome the views of all interested parties.”
Compulsory microchipping could:

Improve animal welfare by making it easier to return a stray dog to its owners
Develop responsible dog ownership by ensuring greater traceability of owners
Help to establish liability and prove ownership
Assist in control measures in case of diseases that can be passed from dogs to humans
Deter dog thef

Microchipping of dogs is widely available across Wales. The Dogs Trust is currently offering microchipping at £10 per dog.

The plans to introduce compulsory microchipping are just one aspect of the work to increase dog welfare. The Welsh Government is currently consulting on regulations to control dog breeding and help improve standards of living for dogs. It is also considering bringing forward primary legislation that would help to manage uncontrolled and potentially dangerous dogs.

Cold Weather Guide - Canines & Carers

Keeping Warm I Water & Ice I Poisons I Roads & Pavements

Snow Tips I Older Dogs

 Exercise I Paw Care I Travel I Hypothermia I Frostbite

Dogs and Cold Weather Advice, Information & Tips:

As the cold weather bites down this winter, it’s important to remember that our four legged companions also have to cope with the cold conditions and all the weather can bring. Here follows a handy and informative guide for you and your best friends this winter.

Keeping warm at home:

All dogs feel the cold weather just like we do, how cold it gets depends on your location and home set up. Different dogs have different needs, like puppies and older dogs who find it harder to regulate their body temperature and short coated, thin skinned ones (e.g. greyhounds).

Provide a warm dry bed which is in an area free from drafts. Remember that certain floor surfaces, such as tiles, become very cold (unless you have under floor heating) so make sure your dog is not left sleeping on a cold surface as he has nowhere else to go.

Dog coats or dog sweaters are good for when your dog ventures outside even if just out into the garden and can be worn inside as well-depending on your dog and how cold it gets where you live.

Keep an eye for how long your dog is outside-don’t forget your dog is out in the garden if you have closed the door.

If you bath your dog, avoid letting outside until completely dry all over.

Provide clean drinking water at all times, if the water bowl has frozen (depending on where you keeps yours) knock out the ice and refill regularly, move into an area where it will not freeze if possible. Glass and china dog dishes can crack in cold weather.

If you are away from home, say at work, day or night and your dog is alone at home, what temperature is it going to fall to in your home if your turn down or off your heating, how cold will it be when you are not there?

Make sure open fires and any other heat sources are safe with your dog(s) around.

Different breeds, long haired and short coated dogs, young dog and older dogs will have different tolerance levels to the cold weather. Some dogs have double coats to help them but don’t think that because your dog has a coat he will not feel the cold.

Some breeds are closer to the ground and their bellies become wet and cold quickly when out, this can cause a dog's temperature to plummet.

Dogs don’t like being cold any more than we do!

Water and Ice:

Always keep your dog away from water including garden ponds and canals no matter how solid any ice may appear on top if frozen over – never let your dog anywhere near cold and frozen water of any depth.

There have been many reported cases each winter of dogs falling through ice and drowning, if you are walking your dog near frozen or part frozen water - please keep on leash and away to be safe.

Poisons:

Anti-freeze, screen wash and some types of de-icers contain ethylene glycol which is poisonous to dogs and cats.

These types of chemicals are more abundant this time of year and are extremely dangerous - even a very small amount. Many dogs are attracted to its sweet taste; please remember not to leave any anti-freeze etc. lying around or accessible to you dog(s) or cat(s), keep out of reach at all times.

Seek immediate veterinary advice if any is suspected to have been swallowed or even suspected of coming into contact with your dog (or cat).

Roads & Pavements:

Winter roads - local authorities and others often use chemicals and salt to melt the ice on the roads and pavements, good for us and our cars, but not so nice for your dog’s feet, avoid where possible, as it can irritate your dog’s pads and can be toxic if swallowed.

Rinse off paws when home if walked through.

Reflective clothing for you and a reflective collar and/or collar light is sensible for walks near roads on dark evenings, dim winter days and during snow fall.

Snow survival tips:

Snow looks very inviting for some dogs and can spark off excitement and play, the problem is that snow covers all ground objects including sharp ones and as your dog is rushing through it having fun a paw or nail can easily be caught and torn.

Keep a first aid kit handy for your dog and give paws a quick check after play/exercise outside.

It’s also a good idea to keep note on how long your dog is outside and limit if necessary when it’s cold out, dogs can suffer from hypothermia (see below), just like we do, as an example, playing in the snow caused hypothermia to a dog in Scarborough recently, which resulted in the need for urgent veterinary attention to save the dog’s life.

Snow can become impacted and form balls of ice caught up in your dog’s hair or squashed into between his paws/toes, these are uncomfortable and can be painful, wash the ice crystals away with warm water to help dissolve and dry.

Dogs can become disorientated as they loose their sense of smell and direction when there is snow on the ground which can result in a lost dog. Keep your dog close or on leash.

Older dogs:

Older dogs are less able to deal with cold weather; it becomes difficult to regulate body temperature as age increases.

The cold may affect certain physical conditions such as arthritis.

Older dogs may not be able or take longer to warm up when moved between areas differing in temperature.

A comfy sweater can help keep the chills off your older dog during the night in your house like the one pictured here on our elderly exempted dog Tara.

Keep your oldie warm indoors and be extra careful when out.

Exercise:

Sometimes it's just not worth the risk of going out and routines have to be temporarily adapted.

When you have been out, after exercising your dog, wipe the snow and any ice off your dog with a towel, dry through properly and make sure the bedding area is dry.

Icy patches mixed with snow, or stretches of ice and black ice can be particularly hazardous to dogs and their owners!

A dog running and slipping on ice can result in damage to tendons, pulled muscles and damaged joints etc.

It’s no fun if your dog pulls on leash and you are having difficulty yourself with the ice under foot, which is one good reason to yourself have some appropriate footwear on and be extra careful that you can maintain your own balance and keep your dog under control.

Do be aware that dogs can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia (see below).

Paws:

Trim the hair around the pads to help prevent a build-up of compacted ice – little snowballs which collect in hair and can be hard to get out; they also make it uncomfortable for the dog to walk. If these have collected up inside the pad and in between the toes, melt with warm water to help remove and gently dry the feet. Keep tails trim, long nails make it even more difficult to walk.

After walks, rinse off each paw in some warm water, this will remove any salt/grit or ice melting chemicals your dog has walked through and prevent it from irritating him later or licking his feet and swallowing the stuff.

Some dog owners use dog boots to protect the paws.

Get into a routine of having a quick check in between the toes and the back of the each paw, look out for cracks and cuts.

Traveling:

Vehicles become very cold, very quickly this time of year once switched off. Don’t leave your dog in a vehicle; it will soon be like a fridge inside.

Plan your journey ahead of time and allow for road delays.

Have a plan in case your vehicle is caught in snow or on icy roads and your dog is inside with you.

Further info here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/advice/snow.html

Hypothermia:

Can be mild, moderate or severe.

It happens when your dog’s body temperature falls below its normal range, symptoms include; shivering (a body response to generate heat) lethargy, weakness, stiff muscles, a change in heart and breathing rate, co-ordination difficulty. Collapse and come can follow.

If you are out with your dog, get home/indoors ideally, dry your dog in a warm room, keep your dog from standing directly on a cold floor surface, wrap in a warm blanket, take your dog’s temperature and contact your veterinary clinic without delay.

Your dog can’t tell you he feels cold and can’t warm up-it’s up to you to take charge.

Canine Frostbite:

This is damaged or dead body tissue caused by over exposure to cold temperatures.

Common areas of concern are your dog’s ear tips, toes, scrotum and tail.

Frostbite can be harder to spot under the dog’s hair.

Affected areas can appear pale or grey in colour and cold to the touch. As body tissue warms it turns red and this is painful, black colour indicates death of body tissue.

Contact your vet for immediate help.

Don’t rub or massage the area, you can warm in warm water and gently pat dry. Remember that a dog may display aggression when in pain.

Written by Amanda Dunckley

Copyright © Endangered Dogs Defence & Rescue 2012