Be courteous to assistance and guide dogs.
It is shocking to learn that around 10 assistance dogs a year are attacked while out with their owners. This not only has a devastating affect on the dog leading to stress, anxiety, veterinary treatment and re-training, but it could also mean retirement for these dogs as the anxiety of what has happened may mean that they never can work again. The impact that this can have on the owner is traumatic and life-changing, they too may suffer with the stresses of going outside, losing a beloved dog that is not only their pet, but also their assistant in life.
Significant amendments were made back in 2014 to the Dangerous Dogs Act in particular with
assistance dogs. Under the law, if a dog is dangerously out of control anywhere in England and Wales (in public or not) and it injures an assistance dog, the owner of the dog will be guilty of an aggravated offence.
The key to the problem lies with prevention through education and this can be achieved by
understanding your dog’s breed and instincts, the right training, interactions and experiences to help your dog’s development.
As dog owners there are certain points to consider when you are out on a walk and allowing your dog to run freely around, and these include:
- Do not allow your dog off lead too far in front of you.
- Train or re-train a good recall.
- If you see another dog on lead – assistance dog or not, call your dog back and put your dog on lead.
- If you stop off for refreshments at the park with your dog, then do not allow your dog to wander around the area – teach your dog to settle down beside you (perhaps on a
towel/mat).
Let’s all enjoy the green space and being outside