wightdogs.com ISLE of WIGHT DOGS and OWNERS

Following the tragic incident of Charlie the puppy being killed by another dog on an Island beach there has been a great deal of speculation and commenting online. A recurring theme has been suggestions that all dogs should be kept on leads, and/or muzzled, at all times when in public. These suggestions nearly always appear to originate from individuals who claim to be dog lovers, whether this is true or whether they are left by the anti-dog lobby masquerading as dog owners is unclear. However, the suggestions are a knee jerk reaction and simply don't stand up to rational scrutiny.

Dogs on leads

The law requires that you keep your dog on a lead in built up areas, on all roads, on ALL pavements adjacent to roads and near livestock. A dog needs to be exercised in an area it is legally permitted to exercise, this is the legal responsibility of owners, or whoever is in charge of the dog, under animal welfare legislation. The amount of exercise a dog needs will depend on its age and breed, keeping a dog on a lead all of the time will not provide sufficient exercise for the majority of dogs. Apart from needing to walk and run a dog must interact with other dogs to learn social skills and be permitted to exhibit normal behavioural patterns again this is a legal requirement on the dogs owner. Dogs are intelligent social animals that need stimulus, both physically and mentally, and regular opportunities for interactive play.

You must be aware of how your dog reacts to other dogs and it is your responsibility to keep it under control. If your dog has a tendency to be aggressive to other dogs or people don't just hope it will be alright, take responsibility you need to keep them on a lead.

Muzzling dogs

Keeping a dog muzzled can cause distress and discomfort, it prevents the ability to drink and impacts on ‘the need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns’ which is the responsibility for the dogs owner to ensure under the Animal Welfare Act. Some dogs do need to be muzzled  for short periods due to being aggressive to other dogs, animals or people, alternatively they are often muzzled to prevent them eating matter that would be harmful to them. However, great care should be given to considering a dogs welfare whilst muzzled.

Please keep your dogs under control and always pick up after them

How many dogs are killed by dogs each year?

How many people are killed by dogs each year?

How many people and dogs are killed by cars each year?

Should we ban cars?

Or perhaps severely speed limit all cars?

Or do we hold individuals responsible for their individual crimes.

Further reading

DEFRA Code of practice for the welfare of dogs (pdf file) http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/pb13333-cop-dogs-091204.pdf

Animal Welfare Act 2006 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/contents