Useful Information
Legislation
The Animal Welfare Act 2006
This is an important act and, one that is well worth reading.
Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs
An, easy to read, guide outlining what dog owners are expected to do, as laid down in the Animal Welfare Act 2006, to meet the welfare needs of their dogs (DEFRA). Essential reading for existing and potential dog owners.
The Anti-Social Behaviour Policing Act 2014 (amended)
This covers section 12 of the act (recently, enacted).
Remember – ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Research
Investigating links between mental health and loneliness
This 2020 study looks at how companion animals can have a positive impact on mental health.
(Ratschen, Elena, Shoesmith, Emily, Shebab, Lion, Silva, Karina, Kale, dimitra, Toner, Paul, Reeve, Catherine and Mills, Daniel S (2020), Human-Animal Relationships And Interactions During The Covid-19 Lockdown Phase In The UK: Investigating Links With Mental Health And Loneliness. PLOS ONE. available at https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0239397 [25 September 2020]).
Diet
Campylobacter Infection Raw diet
Do raw meat diets pose health risk for our pets and us?
Raw vs Commercial diet
This is a controversial topic – this article will help you make the choice about what to feed your dog.
A simple search on Google will find plenty of articles and research around the subject of raw food diets.
Interacting with dogs
How to interact (poster)
This shows children HOW to interact with dogs.
How not to interact (poster)
This shows children how NOT to interact with dogs.
Fearful dogs – body language (poster)
Looking after our dogs in the heat (poster)
Puppy Socialisation Programme
The first 14 weeks of our dogs’ lives are critical. This programme should be followed for ALL dogs (first published by the Kennel Club).