ANIMAL Shelter animal welfare officer Lorna Prince said a bite or nip from a dog indicated a problem with the animal’s behaviour. In the week when Cruft’s dog show is televised and dog awareness is at its height she warned islanders to take care when getting one.
‘People often don’t know what they’ve got on their hands when they take on a dog as a pet,’ she said. The breed, temperament and habits of the animal should be thought about before a dog was taken into the home, said Ms Prince.
She said prevention was always better than attempting to cure a problem and that the Animal Shelter offered puppy training and dog-handling courses for pet owners. ‘We offer behaviour consultations and our advice is to seek help if your dog starts to ‘nip’, because this is a sign that there is a problem.’
Ms Prince said all dogs had the capability to bite but it did not mean that the animal was dangerous.
The importation of dogs to the island is controlled by HM Customs and Excise legislation.
There are currently two breeds banned entry to the Bailiwick, pit bull terriers and the Japanese tosa.
All dogs have to be licensed when they are six months old and owners who fail to restrain their animals properly could be prosecuted under the Summary of Offences legislation, administered by the police.
In recent years the number of reported cases average only two.
Police Inspector Trevor Coleman said this indicated that the island had a community of responsible dog owners.
‘We don’t see some of the more ferocious looking pets here that are paraded like fashion accessories in the UK and which often intimidate people,’ he said. The States are being asked to approve enabling legislation on Animal Welfare at this month’s meeting. This would allow the introduction of further legislation on the control and restraint of animals, if deemed necessary, in the future.
‘At present, there are sufficient provisions within the law to ensure public safety,’ said Ms Prince. We just don’t have the kind of problems we occasionally hear about in the UK with regard to dangerous dogs.
‘Ultimately, the responsibility must lie with the dog owner.
‘Education and awareness about how to handle and care for our canine friends is vital and we offer free advice at the Animal Shelter.’
* There were 43 cases at Accident and Emergency in 2007, up seven on the previous year. But the latest figure is in line with the 10-year average of 45 cases per year.
* Anyone interested in dog-handling courses should contact the Animal Shelter on 257261.
Article posted on 7th March, 2008 - 1.15pm
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