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Just barking ... minister’s new code for dog owners
Nicholas Cecil, Chief Political Correspondent4 Nov 2008
PET owners are being reminded of their duties under new government guidelines which cover everything from canine toothpaste to spotting signs of stress.
Responsibilities include: Not allowing your animal to get too fat or thin - or to be fed from the table - and to "fully understanding its welfare needs".
The dog code of conduct says they should not be taken for a walk when the weather is too hot.
Cat lovers have their own rules to follow and are urged to make sure, apart from advice on hygiene and diet, that the pet has a "secure place to hide".
The guidelines for horses are based on the same principles.
Breaching the three codes will not in itself be a crime. But it could prove to be the deciding factor in whether an individual is found guilty in court of a pet welfare offence - which carries a maximum jail sentence of six months or a fine of up to £20,000.
MPs questioned whether the Government should be laying down such detailed rules with Conservative agriculture spokesman Jim Paice saying: "Some of these elements are over the top. This is certainly not the sort of stuff that we expected to be in the code."
But Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today defended the guidelines which he said he said are meant to remind pet owners of the law under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Launching the eight-week consultation, Mr Benn said: "The Animal Welfare Act has been the most important piece of animal legislation for nearly a century.
"Animals are now afforded greater protection than ever before. These new codes of practice will outline the responsibilities of owners under the Act and give practical advice on how to fulfil them. This means no one will be able to claim ignorance as an excuse."
The guidelines cover the environment for animals, diet, the company they enjoy, ensuring they exhibit normal behaviour patterns, as well as health and welfare issues. The dog charter says: "It is your responsibility to read the complete code of practice to fully understand your dog's welfare needs and what the law requires you to do." Sub-sections include rules on sleeping and resting, keeping a dog outside, travel, socialisation and caring for dog's teeth, including the use of canine toothpaste. Other subjects covered are boredom and frustration and what to do if your dog goes missing.
Reader views (15)
In reply to Lina's post, I think it's about time some parents were given 'guide' in how to bring up there children! All I see these days are kids being left to there own devices and running like wild packs of animals on the streets! Anyhoo, I'm trying to find out if dog owners are allowed to tie dogs outside for ever with no shelter, in rain and sun because the poor pup japanese akita next door to me is and it's so unhappy???
- Gema, England, 15/07/2009 10:41
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The news coverage of this is totally frivilous, but there are serious issues here.
Pets are being poorly treated and looked after.
It all stems from the Victorian idea of having as many pets as you like without any care for the conditions they're kept in.
There are millions of cats dogs in this country and its totally unsustainable.
The guidelines need to tell people to keep their pets on their own property; how can you ensure the welfare of your pet if you've no idea where it is?
People are letting their cats roam over people's gardens messing everywhere. If they haven't got a suitable property to keep a cat on then they shouldn't have one.
- James, Peterborough, UK, 11/11/2008 11:12
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No one gets it. Dog problems are out of control now! Barking can go on for years and years, and may even be a sign of severe neglect. Animal laws do not go deep enough and are creating suffering for people and pets.
Governments taking any actions are at least trying to get a handle on some problem or other and should be commended for doing something at least. Not at all a waste of time or money.
Introduce licensing to own a pet, tough laws on animal noise, and attacks and proper law enforcement. It should be a crime to keep any animal in a way that destroys the peace and safety in a community, or in a way that is harmful to an animals mental and physical health.
Animals and people need peace and safety in our communities. Dog barking is stupid too and must be controlled at all times. It may be considered a natural thing for a dog to bark, but it is un-natural to expect people to be able to tolerate it. Controlling of dog barking WILL NOT HURT A DOG in any way, unless it is by cruel methods.
Yes, bring on tougher laws on pets in our communities, if we have not learned from dog barking and attacks over the centuries, it is about time we did now and new tough laws are just the ticket for it. The next fatality from a dog attack means the laws and enforcement are still failing. We should count the dead from dog attacks now until new laws are made for licensing to own a dog. A dog can be considered "a dangerous thing", a term used in law.
- Matthew Ridgeway, Pakenham, Victoria, Australia., 08/11/2008 11:24
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It's a sad state of affairs when people criticise others for trying to make the world a more humane and compassionate place.
- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx, 05/11/2008 10:41
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What a complete waste of time and more importantly taxpayers money.
- P I Staker, London, 05/11/2008 10:00
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It's good that ministers are taking welfare seriously, even though this seems like stating the obvious. It is up to those who pass animals on to make sure that the new owners are prepared.
I'm also concerned that this only seems to apply to dogs and cats. There are many other pets who finish up in unsuitable homes, and it seems that they're allowed to suffer. Exotics are particularly at risk, because of their specialist needs and are often dumped or left to die.
- Deborah, Birmingham, UK, 05/11/2008 09:41
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Sinister Big Brother is watching you.
Perhaps if these politicians were to adhere to their own guidelines around the areas of corruption and the like, we might not laugh so loudly when they waste time on puerile rubbish like this.
I think Benn is barking!
- Frank, Home Counties, England, 05/11/2008 09:04
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When will people realise that there are thousands of people in this country and around the world who have no idea how to care for a pet - they only like the idea of having one around. Anything which helps the education process is to be welcomed - sadly the people who really need this kind of guide are not the ones who will take any notice of it. S**'s law!
- Maureen, Northampton, England, 05/11/2008 08:36
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Don't some of them stop off in France as well?
- Linda, italy, 05/11/2008 07:35
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This is just a prelude to a 'guide' to how we bring up our children, just you wait and see.
- Claire, London, 04/11/2008 19:53
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"These new codes of practice will outline the responsibilities of owners under the Act and give practical advice on how to fulfil them. This means no one will be able to claim ignorance as an excuse."
...and soon to be announced, Pets are to get the vote. Labour Party thinks they will get most of their vote due to the above legislation (sorry, 'guidelines')....
- Rogan, Irving, 04/11/2008 19:02
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I do hope they shall be writing up a similar charter for Children's Welfare. Especially regarding the too fat or too thin bit and 'secure places to hide'.
- Real, London, 04/11/2008 17:54
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What a colossal waste of money! How much was spent on drafting this ridiculous piece of nanny state legislation?
- Mark, London, 04/11/2008 17:37
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Spending all his time writing this code has proved to be an excellent way of keeping Mr Benn busy and away from the grown ups, Mr Brown and Mr Darling, while they concentrate on their game of economic snakes and ladders. Had other government ministers noticed what they were up to they might have been an attempted coup by Benn and Co before the electorate decided to step in.
- Peter Haldane, London, 04/11/2008 16:21
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That's all very well, but who's available to ensure owners respect these guidelines? I mean, horses are still transported for 48 hours from the UK to Italy without food, water, or adequate (any?) stops before they are killed for meat. What a tragic way to spend your last 48 hours!
- Marianne, SW France, 04/11/2008 14:48
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