South Wales Pet Care Network

15/12/2023

Public consultation

Licensing of Animal Welfare Establishments, Activities and Exhibits in Wales

Your opinion matters!

The Welsh Government has commenced its public consultation on ‘the development of a national model for the regulation of animal welfare licensing of animal welfare establishments, activities, and exhibits aiming to enhance animal welfare standards across the country’.

The consultation proposes a licensing scheme for currently unlicensed or minimally regulated animal-related activities, covering four categories:

* Animal establishments: Facilities that keep animals for commercial purposes, such as kennels, pet shops, and riding stables.
* Animal activities: Businesses or individuals that provide services involving animals, such as dog training, riding lessons, and wildlife encounters.
* Animal exhibits: Venues that display animals, including zoos, circuses, and animal parks.
* Greyhounds: Owners and/or keepers or trainers of racing dogs, with a focus on improving their welfare from birth to retirement.

Should the following be licensed?

The Welsh Government is asking the public to consider the potential licensing of the following activities, identified as part of the targeted call for evidence:

a) Pet Day Care
b) Dog Walking
c) Dog Play Parks
d) Home Boarding (Pets) such as kennels and catteries
e) Pet care facilities such as animal rehabilitation or conservation �facilities, for instance, hedgehog hospitals
f) PetGrooming
g) Pet Sitters
h) Animal Trainers including animal behaviourists, training and �socialisation classes
i) Rescue Centres
j) Animal Sanctuaries
k) Re-homing Centres
l) Fostering
m)Animal encounters such as pet therapy, cat cafes, ‘borrow my pet’
enterprises, puppy yoga, llama/alpaca walks, pony painting parties
n) Mobile and Static Animal Exhibits such as birds of prey exhibits, �reptile or exotic animal exhibits/handling
o) Owners, keepers or trainers of racing dogs, including greyhounds.
p) Livery Services
q) Primates as pets

The Welsh Government will value any contributions of evidence to support the licensing of the above activities.

Key Questions:

1. Scope of the Licensing Scheme: Which activities should be included in the licensing scheme and which should not?
2. Licensing Requirements: What should be the minimum standards for animal welfare and care under the licensing scheme?
3. Licensing Process: What should be the application process, fee structure, and enforcement mechanisms for the licensing scheme?
4. Transition Arrangements: How should the licensing scheme be implemented, considering existing businesses and stakeholders?
5. Impact Assessment: What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of introducing a comprehensive animal welfare licensing scheme?

Overall Goal:

The Welsh Government aims to ‘establish a National Model for regulating animal welfare that ensures the highest standards of care and protection for animals involved in various activities across the country’. The proposed licensing scheme seeks to address gaps in existing legislation and enhance the monitoring, enforcement, and accountability of animal welfare practices.

Practically

It can’t do everything over night. Subject to the feedback, it will take a phased approach and has stated its current intent to start with Rescue Centres, Animal Sanctuaries and Re-homing Centres.

More Information

Public Consultation Ends: 1 March 2024

General Information - https://www.gov.wales/licensing-animal-welfare-establishments-activities-and-exhibits

The Consultation -https://www.gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2023-12/animal-licensing-consultation-document.pdf

Respond Online - https://www.gov.wales/node/58899/respond-online

29/11/2023

⚠️ ☠️ ⚠️

We have been notified that a poisonous plant is being used as decoration in a pot plant that can be purchased in garden centres and possibly florists.

The pot plant is Livistona rotundifolia (footstool palm; also known as Saribus rotundifolius) and pots of these plants are decorated with three fibrous balls. The balls are the skeletonised fruit of Cerbera odollam (su***de tree, pong-pong). Within each fruit is a kernel that is extremely toxic; a single kernel can be fatal if eaten and poses a risk to both pets and people. The toxic compounds in Cerbera odollam are cardiac glycosides, which are also found in foxglove, oleander, lily of the valley and other plants.

If you have these fibrous fruits in your pot plant, remove them and dispose of them safely. It you are worried your pet may have eaten the plant material contact Animal PoisonLine (01202 509 000)or your vet immediately.

22/11/2023

Please be aware…

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=320511857404016&id=100083356127556&mibextid=WC7FNe

Two dogs have succumbed to suspected Alabama Rot, which we currently believe was contracted in the Chepstow Park Ponds area. Please try to avoid the area with your dog until the cases are confirmed and we can advise you further. In the meantime if you have been walking in the area and your dog shows any of the following signs please take them to your vet immediately.

Signs of Alabama Rot:

Skin sores, visible swelling, red patch or skin defects not caused by a known injury. These skin lesions typically appear below the knee or elbow, and occasionally on the face or at the bottom of the chest or abdomen.

Changes in appetite - reduced appetite, drinking more, vomiting and lethargy are signs of acute kidney injury.

14/10/2023

The businesses listed here are all members of the South Wales Licensed Home Boarders, Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers Network.

Their insurance documents and boarding licences (if boarding) have been verified.

🐶 BLAENAU GWENT 🐶
Devan Watkins - Tails & Whiskers Pet Care - 07880352746 (Not boarding)

Kayleigh's K9 Adventures - Ebbw Vale - 07951493357 (boarding)

Leanne Fakande - Woodlands Boarding - Blaenau Gwent - 07881831579 (boarding)

🐶 BRIDGEND 🐶

Ingrid Lewis-Mutts Angels Bridgend. 07790-005838 (not boarding)

Nicola Smith - Snap Happy Pet Care Bridgend and surrounding areas 07496 458107 (not Boarding)

Rhiannon Jones - Sprocket Dog Services - Bridgend - 07720628822 (not boarding)

Mary Burt- Marys Pooch Pad kenfig hill 01656745057 or 07891025713 (Boarding)

Stephanie Evans – Step by Steph Dog Training & Walking – 07753435960 (not boarding)

Julie Purslow- Wags&walkies. 07951580417 (not boarding)

Lara Haincock- Poochaboos -Bridgend
07963207737 (boarding)

Donna Williams- Woodland home dog boarding, Bridgend, Cefn Cribwr, 07508603053. (Boarding)

Sarah Mckay -Feathers, fur and tiny tails pet services. Bridgend. 07949077935 (not boarding)

Sophia Davies - Homeward Hounds Home Dog Boarding Kenfig Hill,
07453 745064 (Boarding)

🐶 CAERPHILLY 🐶
Cath & David Jones -Jangles Home Boarding, Daycare and Walking 07769774182 Caerphilly (boarding)

Liz Webber- AllPets Care Services 07455569126 Caerphilly (boarding)

Paula Davies-Walk Away. 07398721339. Caerphilly (boarding)

Avril Perry -The Pug Nanny 01495245981 Caerphilly (boarding)

Lisa Richards - All fours pet care services 07944637118 Caerphilly (boarding)

Nicole Evans - Mutts and Moggies Pet Care 07515882442 (not boarding)

Carole Owen - Cool Canines and Fluffy Felines 07561 790845 (not boarding)

Emma Sheldon - Paw Buddies Pet Services- Caerphilly/north Cardiff 07976111013 (boarding)

Rachel Walker- Lola’s Buddies, 07488 448756 (not boarding)

Louise Davies - Lou’s woof pack ( boarding ) 07415409312

Tony Randall - Tony's Dog Boarding, 07565 778330 (boarding)

Ellie Morgan - Paw Express - Caerphilly area 07949323263 (not boarding)

Jade Perkins-Perkins Paws Caerphilly 07762970371 (not boarding)

Tim Rees - Reesie's Rascals - Caerphilly - 07306112334 (boarding)

Charlotte Thomas - Park View Pet Care - Caerphilly - 07773030185 (boarding)

Sam Corp - corpys walkys- Blackwood - 07581480288 (not boarding)

Victoria Jones – Biscuits Buddies – Fochriw – 07487 774240 (boarding)

Jenny James – Jenny’s Pawsome Pet Services – Caerphilly – 07814509465 (not boarding)

Zuzana Zapletalikova – Curiouz Pawz – Caerphilly – 07542218532 (not boarding)

Darcie Jones – Darcie’s Pet Club – Caerphilly – 07891553970 (not boarding)

Lowri Adams- Tails be Wagging
07482322993 Caerphilly (Not boarding)

Lucy Thompson - The Good Dog Club - Blackwood 07980296478 (not boarding)

Lee Davies - Homeward Hounds - Bedwas, Caerphilly - 07735 453926 (boarding)

Courtney Hughes. Walks & Waggy Tails, Caerphilly 07983253459. (Not boarding)

Caitlan Murison- Cait’s Canine Care - Nelson, Caerphilly - 07852719220 (boarding)

Jodie Heaton - Woofie Walks - Caerphilly 07707016600 (not boarding)

Jasmine Stanley- K&A dog walks 🐾 Caerphilly 07541999270 ( No boarding)

Robert Jarick- Jarick Dog training and walking service, Caerphilly 07907156142 ( not boarding)

Maxine Butler- Valley Tails & Trails-Bargoed, Caerphilly 07796 151255 (not boarding)

Paula Poole-Sit and Stay Pet Sitting
Blackwood, Caerphilly
07929843235(Not boarding)

🐶 CARDIFF 🐶
Michelle George & Kelly Jones -Muddy Paws 07970774351 Cardiff (not boarding)

Kate Lucas - Kate’s Pet Services Cardiff - 07791013450 (boarding)

Lynda Dacruz - Fuzzy Paws Cardiff 07790 355231
(boarding)

Emma Robins - Two Tails Dog Walking Cardiff - 07908741464 (not boarding)

Rebecca Gibbs -Poppy's Pet Pantry 07715473158 - (not boarding).

Alison Ling - STAR Walks- Cardiff - 07968191044(not boarding)

Gille Joevere-Capital Dog Walking and Pet Services St Fagans Cardiff
07702527171 (not boarding)

Nikki Warner - Reservoir Dogs Llanishen. 07843 555457 (not boarding)

Clare Wainwright - Black Lab Dog Walking & Pet Services, Cardiff, 07511669842 (not boarding)

Ruth Morris – Paw and Order – 07913029735 (not boarding)

Laura Harthill - Pounding Paws, 07541211719 (not boarding)

Katie Barnett-Katie's Cardiff Dog Services. Cardiff. 07538763127 (not boarding)

Suzanne Allen - All About Paws Cardiff - 07980667334 (not boarding)

Afton Hole - Go Walkies! Cardiff 07577688896 (not boarding)

Joanne whitlock 07402576654 danescourt and radyr petcare ( boarding)

Kelly Williams -furbabiesgowalkies - Cardiff 07921918937 (boarding)

Aly Chambers- Aly’s Paw Explorers dog walking and sitting 07935 321556 (not boarding)

Carly Williams-Walk This Way Cardiff 07793565592 (not boarding)

Phoebe Baker-Howell - PBH Pets- 07806802006 (not boarding)

Lara Keeler - Keeler’s K9s - Cardiff and Caerphilly - 07718495429 (not boarding)

Clare Nicholls - Walks With Clare Cardiff 07794352185 (not boarding)

Matt Griffiths - Adventures in the Dog House - Pontcanna, Cardiff 07876501504 (Boarding)

Sarah Morgan-Smith. Wag Happy dog walking and pet care. Rhiwbina 07968763361 (boarding)

Isobel Jackson - Issy’s Inn - Dog Boarding & Daycare. 07896694676
Cardiff (boarding)

Leah O’Donovan- The Fairy Dog Mother Cardiff 07576802522 (Boarding)

Richard Lewis - Bluedog Walks - Cardiff - 07916 660713 (not boarding)

Alex Burch - Alex Walks Dogs - Cardiff - 07775633283 (not boarding)

Emily Morgan – Places4Paws – 07506480052 (not boarding)

Tom Locke – Timberwolf Designs – 07828136450 (not boarding)

Natalie Andrews - LMB Dog Walkers - Cardiff - 07930433790 (not boarding)

Pip Beat - Pip's Pets - Cardiff - 07934006495 (not boarding)

Deborah Styles – Chasing Tails Cardiff – Cardiff – 07718302680 (boarding)

Joe and Kate Daw - Joes Walkies - Cardiff - 07975594150 (not boarding)

Rebecca Norris - The Dog Rambler - Cardiff - 07813642751 (not boarding)

Richard Jago - JaGo Walkies - Cardiff - 07469966705 (not boarding)

Alessia Ben and Edee -WalkWagPlay Cardiff 07776756637, (not boarding)

Deb Lewis - Wenallt Woofs - Cardiff 07807038689 (not boarding)

Hayley Pearce - A Buddy for Hire - Cardiff - 07424 951258 (boarding)

Lauren Westgarth -Cool Doods 🐾 Cardiff 07446016349 (not boarding)

Karen Morton- Pontprennau Pooches-Cardiff
O7870 960488 (Boarding)

Wendy & Andrew Thomas- Wendy’s Walkies, Cardiff - 07427 397779 /07890449420 (not boarding)

Jo Parry (parry’s pooches ) CARDiff 07752905375 (not boarding)

Hanna Guise - Hanna's Home from Home Dog Hotel - Cardiff 07921505397 (boarding)

Lee Morton - Pets and walks - Cardiff. 07598435060. ;Not boarding)

Claire McFadzean -Claire’s Canine Crew Cardiff 07401517917 (not boarding)

Rob Nicholas - Cardiff Dog Walker - Cardiff
07361 111593 (Not Boarding)

🐶 CARMARTHENSHIRE 🐶
Shannon Jones - Four Paws Pet Services, Carmarthenshire
07496320429 (Not Boarding)

🐶 MERTHYR TYDFIL 🐶
Linzie John - Pixie's Dog Walking & Pet Sitting.
07821 353670 ( Boarding )

Phil and Jan - Mutlins. Merthyr Tydfil. 01685 379906/07506677225 (boarding)

Brenda Jones – Centre Barks – Merthyr Tydfil – 07970236009 (boarding)

David Rowlands, David’s Doggie Adventures-Merthyr Tydfil
07503967469 (Not boarding)

Paddy Blasdale Paddy's Pet Sevices Merthyr Tydfil 07838078655 (not boarding)

🐶 MONMOUTHSHIRE 🐶
Lisa Scott -Sunnyside Dogsitting Llanelly Hill ( Brynmawr) 07590804640 (Boarding)

Alison Pearson - The Dog Retreat - Monmouthshire - 07733 268369 (boarding)

Catriona Malbon - Beechnut Boarding - Symond's Yat (Herefordshire) - 07879644630 (boarding)

Nina Wetzlar – Neenz Dog Walks – Abergavenny – 07771361387 (not boarding)

Annie Wright- Annie’s Animal Care- 07796950628 (not boarding)

🐶 NEATH PORT TALBOT 🐶

Natalie Smith – Paws in Motion – Neath Port Talbot – 07482163633 (not boarding)

Becky Burnett-Natures Call Dog Services, Neath Port Talbot 07753479502 (not boarding)

Olivia George, Paws on the Go, Neath Port Talbot, 07742548907 (no boarding)

Georgia Dickinson - TailTrekker - Neath Port Talbot - 07547377064 (no boarding)

🐶 NEWPORT 🐶

Megan Angell – Paws n Claws Pet Care – 07479938267 (not boarding)

Viktoria Duke – Pooch on a Pedestal – 07594845140 (boarding)

Charlotte Seer – Weekend Walks – 07791755135 (boarding)

Becky Simmonds - Becky's happy Tails - Newport - 07341276522 (boarding)

Clare Harden – Flo and Friends – Newport – 07552521284 (boarding)

Marie Galloway- Lead On 07738993240 (boarding)

Juliet Waters -Paw House Newport. 07792 397987 (boarding)

Mel Smith- Mels Home Boarding
Malpas Newport 07729416822
(Boarding)

🐶 PEMBROKESHIRE 🐶
Helen Bussell, For Your Pets Care & Services, 07421 363089 (not boarding)

Kaitlynne Cutajar - Kaitlynnes Pet Services - 07467938671 Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire (not boarding)

🐶 POWYS 🐶

Sarah Wilde - Beacons Dog Walker - Powys - 07907924369 (not boarding)

Fay Hammond - Kibbles (Boarding) - Llanafan Fawr - 07717 707 700

🐶 RHONDDA CYNON TAF 🐶
Rhiannon Fioled- Glenda’s House -07531876077 Taffs Well, Cardiff (boarding)

Clare Warburton - PupStars Dog Training 07852 233621 Rhondda Cynon Taff and surrounding areas. (Not Boarding)

Randle Stonier - MyWaggyTails - 07836 277267 RCT (Boarding)

Jude Lawless-Ty Cwtch canine boarding and day care 07943848271 Treorchy (boarding)

Samantha Michalski- Cariad's Cwtch Dog Walking, Aberdare 07743876844 (not boarding)

Lauren knight-The Fairy Paw Mother 🧚‍♀️07899304477 (not boarding)

Andrea Davies – At Home With Billy – 07745381222 (boarding)

Vanessa Simmonds – Just Like Home – 07816483280 (boarding)

Sue Jarvis-Suzy’s animal care. Cwmdare. Aberdare 07710177641
(Boarding)

Hollie Hughes: Pet Sitter & Dog Walker - RCT - 07931990347 (not boarding)

Robyn Christina & Adi Taviner - Trails & Tails - RCT - 07393731722 (boarding)

Gareth Hart - GnBpetcare - RCT - 07341154840 (not boarding)

Jo Fowler- Maesydderwen dog Boarding and Day Care, Mountain Ash. 07454993647 (boarding)

Julia Mann - JP's Dog Walking + Pet sitting RCT - 07949059381 (Boarding)

Mitchell Bock -Mitch’s Muttz Pontypridd 07399455377 (boarding)

Georgie Martin- Walkies with G
Talbot green/ Pontyclun 07792628469 (not boarding)

Katie Evans- KT Dog walking & behaviour, Rhondda Cynon Taff
07508792370 ( not boarding)

🐶 SWANSEA 🐶

Angharad Richards- Cwtches Dog Care 07927643826 (boarding)

Charlotte Williams -Charlottes Dog Walking Services -Ystalyfera -07715549212 (not boarding)

Rebecca Jones - Gower Dog Home Boarding 07780435594 Swansea and Gower (boarding)

Lisanne Sophia Beck - Dawggone Walkies pet services, Mumbles 07826327460 (not boarding)

Julie Evans- Walkies with Kiki 07479498232 (boarding)

Charlie Piercey – Dog Walking With Charlie – 07786362067 (not boarding)

Stacey Hatton - Happy Tails Pet Services Swansea - 07903983514 (boarding)

Andy Rackham - Andy’s K-9 Walks & Pet Services - Swansea - 07943853024 (not boarding)

Tina Boschen, Tina’s Tails and Trails, 07720837218, Swansea (boarding)

Louise Holmes Just Like Home Pet Boarding Gorseinon Swansea 07912437487 (Boarding )

🐶 TORFAEN 🐶
Lianne Timmins-Cute Critters Pontypool (not boarding) 07538357785

Lisa Nottingham - Scoobydooby dog walking and home boarding - 07787 161373 (boarding)

Sarah Rowe - Adventure Dogs Torfaen, Newport 07549 148851 (Not Boarding)

Elizabeth Pead-Liz & Lily’s Pet Services 07977731517 (not boarding)

Millie Feldon – Springfield Doggie Daycare – Torfaen – 07763410767 (boarding)

🐶 VALE OF GLAMORGAN 🐶
Caroline Volrath-Vale Pet Sitters 07970997069 Vale of Glamorgan (boarding)

Emily Benson- K9 Services Wales. Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan. 07986059783 (Boarding)

Emma Taylor- Rat Pack Dog Services - 07854695362 - (not boarding)

Sue Brydon-Sit n Stay Petminding Services, Vale of Glamorgan
07749 660738 (boarding)

Jordan Holly’Thistly Tails Pet Services' 07526 538179 (not boarding)

Arianna Hodges 'Pawfect Day & Stay' Vale of Glamorgan 07703391378 (Not boarding)

Christopher Edwards -“The Crate Escape“ 07545 582532 (not boarding)

Emma Rees - Oh Doggo Vale of Glamorgan 07869292810 (Boarding)

Claire O’Doherty. The Clairy Dog Mother Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan 07812 767385 (Not boarding)

Jo Westlake - Paws 64 Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan 07894 915700 (Not boarding)

Kiera Stanton – Kiera’s K9s – Vale

Rhys Hocking - The Wild Walker Barry - Vale of Glamorgan - 07825987816 ( boarding)

Lucy Collins – Sunny Paws – Vale of Glamorgan – 07795557399 (not boarding)

Katie Dunkley, Duke's Dog Walks 🐾 07827220734 Vale of Glamorgan (not boarding)

Tamsin Jones -Tam’s Trails-07921282208 (not boarding)

Nic Collins- BarkWorks- 07581 327323 Vale of Glamorgan( Boarding)

Paige threadgold - Paige’s pooches, Barry 07730469221 (boarding)

Kath Adams- Kath's K9 Adventures
Penarth, Sully and Dinas Powys
07708 801300 (Not boarding)

Jayne Eldridge - JACS, Barry
07787182471 (boarding)

Eli Parsons, My Kinda Pet Care, Vale of Glamorgan 07572257947 (Not boarding)

02/10/2023

Jangles Home Boarding, Walking and Day Care is delighted to be hosting the Cooper & Co: Doglaw Seminar UK Tour with a local event for Dog Care Professionals and Owners, welcoming Trevor Cooper to Caerphilly on:

🗓️ 25th February 2024
⏰ 10am-1pm
📍Machen Village Hall

To book your place, use this link

https://www.doglawsos.co.uk/product/what-every-dog-owner-needs-to-know-5/

Places are limited to 40 so don’t leave it too late and be disappointed

01/10/2023

A few thoughts on long lines, leads, collars and harnesses - for balance.

A long line, typically 15-30 feet long is a popular tool for training and walking dogs because it allows a dog to have more freedom to explore while still being under the control of their owner/carer.

The Pros of using a long line:

* Safer recall training: Long lines can be used to train dogs to recall reliably, even when there are distractions. This is because the dog cannot simply run off the end of the leash if they choose to ignore the recall command.
* More exercise and enrichment: Long lines allow dogs to get more exercise and enrichment by exploring the world around them. This can be especially beneficial for dogs that are high-energy or have a lot of curiosity.
* Greater control in new environments: Long lines can be used to give owners/carers more control over their dogs in new environments, such as parks or hiking trails. This can be helpful for dogs that are anxious or reactive around other dogs or people.

Cons of using a long line:

* Risk of entanglement: Long lines can pose a risk of entanglement, especially if the dog is running around in a cluttered environment. It is important to be aware of the surroundings and keep the line taut to avoid this.
* Potential for accidents: If the dog is not properly trained, there is a risk of accidents if they suddenly run off the end of the long line. This is especially true if the dog is in a busy area or near traffic.
* Can be difficult to manage in a crowd: Long lines can be difficult to manage in a crowd, especially if there are other dogs and people around. It is important to be aware of the surroundings and keep the line taut to avoid tripping or getting tangled with others.

Scientific evidence on the use of long lines:

There is some scientific evidence to support the use of long lines in training dogs. For example, a study published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that dogs trained with long lines were more likely to recall reliably than dogs trained with shorter leashes.

Another study, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, found that long line training can help to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. The study found that dogs that were trained with long lines had lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, than dogs that were trained with shorter leashes.

Overall, long lines can be a valuable tool for training/walking dogs. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to use them safely and responsibly.

Here are some tips for using a long line safely and effectively:
* Always use a long line in a safe and controlled environment. Avoid using it in busy areas or near traffic.
* Be aware of your surroundings and where appropriate, keep the line ‘taut’ to avoid entanglement.
* Make sure that your dog is properly trained before using a long line. Start with short distances and gradually increase the length of the line as your dog becomes more reliable.
* Never leave your dog unattended while using a long line.

Pros of attaching a long line to a harness:

* Safer for the dog's neck: Harnesses distribute pressure across the dog's chest, while collars put all of the pressure on the neck. This can be especially dangerous for dogs that pull or lunge on the leash.
* More control over the dog: Harnesses give you more control over your dog, especially if they are pulling or lunging. This is because the harness is attached to the dog's chest, which makes it easier to redirect their movement.
* Less likely to slip off: Harnesses are less likely to slip off than collars, especially if the dog is pulling or lunging. This is because the harness is attached to the dog's body at multiple points.

Cons of attaching a long line to a harness:

* Can be restrictive: Some harnesses can be restrictive for dogs, especially if they are not properly fitted.
* Can be uncomfortable for the dog: Some harnesses can be uncomfortable for dogs, especially if they are not made of a soft, breathable material.

Evidence on attaching a long line to a harness versus a collar:

There is some scientific evidence to suggest that attaching a long line to a harness is safer for dogs than attaching it to a collar.

For example, a study published in the journal Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports found that dogs that were attached to a long line using a harness were less likely to experience neck injuries than dogs that were attached to a long line using a collar.

Another study, published in the journal Animal Welfare, found that dogs that were attached to a long line using a harness were less likely to show signs of stress and anxiety than dogs that were attached to a long line using a collar.

Overall, attaching a long line to a harness is generally considered to be safer and more comfortable for dogs than attaching it to a collar. However, it is important to choose a harness that is properly fitted and made of a soft, breathable material.

And of course, whether long or short leads attached to a collar, there is a similar injury risk than if attached to a well fitted harness.

One study, published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, found that dogs that were attached to a lead using a collar were more likely to experience neck injuries than dogs that were attached to a lead using a harness.

Another study, published in the journal Animal Welfare, found that dogs that were attached to a lead using a collar were more likely to show signs of stress and anxiety than dogs that were attached to a lead using a harness.

A 2020 study published in the journal Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports found that even a small amount of pressure on a dog's neck can cause significant pain and discomfort. The study also found that dogs that are attached to a lead using a collar are more likely to experience neck injuries, such as tracheal collapse and esophageal rupture.

Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the trachea, or windpipe, collapses. This can make it difficult for the dog to breathe and can lead to a variety of other health problems, such as heart failure.

Esophageal rupture is a condition in which the esophagus, or tube that connects the mouth to the stomach, ruptures. This can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate veterinary attention.

There’s lots of evidence re neck injuries from lead injuries too.

In a study in 2020, variation in the pressures exerted on the neck may have implications on comfort and the potential to cause injury.

Carter A, McNally D, Roshier A. Canine collars: an investigation of collar type and the forces applied to a simulated neck model. Vet Rec. 2020 Oct 3;187(7):e52. doi: 10.1136/vr.105681. Epub 2020 Apr 17. PMID: 32303668.

As always, proceed with care.

27/09/2023

If you didn’t get chance to watch this LIVE this evening, it’s well worth a watch for ALL dog owners, not just those affected by the impending XL Bully ban

19/09/2023

My biggest fear with this upcoming ban is that the XL Bully isn’t a breed it’s a type. If they go by measurements similar to how the American Pitbull Terrier is regulated in the UK, then SO many breeds will be in the potential mix for this ban. I’ve had 550 sign ups for my free webinar and 50% of them are XL Bully owners, the other 50% are owners of dogs that could meet ‘type’ but are not XL Bullies and my heart hurts for them.

In the photo below are;
Cane Corso
Dogo Argentino (already banned)
APBT (already banned)
Presa Canario
American Staffordshire Terrier
Bully Kutta
Bandogge

Can you identify which is which? Do you trust the UK police force to be able to identify which is which?

All of these dogs (photos from google) could fall into ‘type’. Not all of the dogs in the photo are well bred and meet breed standard meaning they could fit ‘type’ even more so.

DNA means nothing in BSL. There have historically been litters of pedigree, papered Staffordshire Bull Terriers where two dogs from a litter of 7 were seized as ‘pitbull type’.

Measurements mean nothing. Temperament testing is spurious and vague and varies by police force.

Seizing truly dangerous dogs (and legislating the environment from which they came) and strict controls on ownership, breeding and selling is the solution. A set of measurements is not.

I’m not going to shut up about this. BSL does NOTHING. If you think the APBT is banned and has reduced how many are in the country you are mistaken. In my work privately and in rescue kennels I see APBTs and crosses of daily.

Rishi Sunak I beg of you to tread carefully with your ban. Legislate the environment from which dangerous dogs are created not the thousands of dedicated owners and dogs who are not at fault, and don’t trap other breeds into this ban. Do not sign off a death warrant for family pets because you want more votes. Do your due dilligence and tackle the systemic issue that’s led to dangerous dogs on our streets.

15/09/2023

I posted this earlier today on the Dog Business School FB page and it complements the Dog Law post.

A knee jerk reaction without the experts having been given time to advise the Government?

Maybe.

Is the genie out of the lamp?

Possibly.

From experience, Prime Ministers once they’ve gobbed off tend not to find reverse gear.

If so, what might it mean?

The XL Bully is not currently a banned ‘breed’ in the UK, so there is no specific information about what will happen to public liability insurance for owners and professional pet carers of these dogs once they are banned.

However, it is likely that insurance companies will follow the same guidelines as they do for other banned breeds. This means that owners of XL Bullies may not be covered to walk their dogs in public, and they may also not be able to hire a dog walker.

Here are some of the things that may happen to public liability insurance for XL Bully owners (and pet care profs) once they are banned:
* Insurance companies may refuse to cover XL Bullies altogether.
* Insurance companies may only cover XL Bullies with an increased premium.
* Insurance companies may only cover XL Bullies if they are neutered, kept on a leash and muzzled in public.
* Insurance companies may only cover XL Bullies if they are walked by a responsible adult (good luck finding many!).

Meanwhile, we’ll have arguments galore about them, what determines a
‘Type’, their precise DNA, even more cross cross breeds eg it’s not a BullyXL it’s a BullyDane or a BritishBullyDog and owners, the Police and Vets will be placed in impossible situations.

It will be important to check with your insurance company to find out what their specific policy is for XL Bullies, maybe give them a day or so to work it out internally and with their underwriters.

You will also need to contact your local council to find out about any other restrictions that might apply in public places to owning/exercising the ‘breed’.

The following are some of the things that have happened to other banned breeds in the past:

* Some owners have been forced to give up their dogs.
* Some dogs have been destroyed.
* Some dogs have been allowed to stay with their owners, but they have been subject to stricter regulations, such as neutering, being kept on a leash and muzzled in public.
* Some breeds have been reclassified as not being banned, such as the doberman pinscher.

The specific outcome for any individual dog will depend on a number of factors, such as the professionals assessment of the ‘breed’ of the dog, the circumstances of the dog's ownership, and the laws/local regulations of the local area. Expect another flurry of PSPOs.

It is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that any particular breed of dog is inherently more dangerous than any other. The behaviour of a dog is influenced by its gene pool as much as it’s likely to be influenced by its upbringing and training than by its ‘breed’. Of course there are unlicensed ‘breeders’ out there who breed and crop for niche underground markets - I bet.

Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a controversial issue, and there is no consensus on whether it is an effective way to reduce the number of dog attacks. Some people believe that BSL unfairly targets certain breeds, while others believe that it is necessary to protect the public from dangerous dogs.

The decision of whether or not to ban a particular breed/breed type of dog is a complex one, and there is no easy answer. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and risks of BSL before making a decision.

But Governments are sensitive to the media and to public opinion, particularly when counting down the weeks to a General Election. Enforcing the legislation will likely be the responsibility of another political administration, so why not introduce impossible to enforce legislation and give someone else the poisoned chalice?

One thing is for sure, based on past evidence, local authorities will not bother trawling through Pets4Homes for the 90%+ unlicensed breeders that advertise or to enforce licensing or looking for banned dogs, checking out ‘Bullydors’ and the such like, let alone scrutonising unlicensed breeders of deformed pugs and frenchies, before even starting on back-street puppy farms.

Warning

From anecdotal comments over the last week it’s clear that the ‘don’t love dogs’ members of the public are out in force and very hyper. If you have a lively medium, large or giant ‘breed’, please please take extra care and be extra sensitive to feelings out there.

I own a Bully - what can I do?

Whilst we wait and see what course events take, sadly be prepared for the worst.

Muzzle train your Bully now. Start getting them desensitised asap.

Loose lead walking training?

Is any other behavioural training necessary and can/should it be done now?

Don’t buy one if you were thinking about it?

Use secure fields.

Be extra cautious and mindful of changing public attitudes and media stories.

Keep your Bully under control like never before.

If your Bully gets seized for seemingly no apparent reason, we recommend not signing any paperwork the Police might present, until you have sought expert advice. The Police will only be doing their job and they’ll find themselves in a very difficult position.

And let’s be honest, as with any dog, there have been hugely irresponsible breeders as well as ‘owners’ out there. In some cases they have become the dog of choice for the Underworld.

Whether we like it or not, too many people in too short a time have been attacked, maimed and in some cases sadly killed. It’s important we don’t lose sight of this however lovely a particular dog is. What’s done is done. How we come to terms with this and manage it personally and professionally, is what matters now.

Useful resources

Chirag Patel’s excellent muzzle video:
https://youtu.be/1FABgZTFvHo?si=_qJgm4irsp7nLbgD

Blue Cross muzzle guidance
https://youtu.be/6BjPpXer8IE

Useful blog and links
https://www.thecanineconsultants.co.uk/post/safety-first-xl-bullies

The Muzzle Shop
https://www.facebook.com/themuzzleshop