Aggression
Don't approach a strange dog, especially one which is tied up or confined.
Before you attempt to pet a dog, ask permission from the owner.
Let the dog become familiar with you by first allowing him to see and sniff the back of your closed hand.
Never leave children unsupervised with any dog, no matter how trustworthy. If a dog is not to be trusted with children or visitors to the home, then consider muzzling it. Modern muzzles allow free air passage and drinking, and do not frustrate the dog.
For more information on controlling your dog in public click this link
Attacks on livestock, people or other animals
It is an offence for any dog to attack livestock or other animals owned by another person.
To report an attack please contact 028 9244 7867 during normal office hours or our out of hours service.
Puppy smuggling - don’t regret buying your pet!
One of the largest animal welfare issues is puppy trafficking.
The popularity of “designer” dogs and young pups of specific breeds continues to rise.
The Kennel Club, which accredits breeders, claims online sellers often use unregulated breeders that keep dogs in poor conditions and leave them frail.
Here are some tips to help you be confident that the puppy you have your eye on has been bred responsibly:
- always buy from a licenced breeder or a reputable seller
- be cautious of online adverts
- be sure to see your puppy interacting with their mum and littermates
- you should not meet anywhere that isn’t the puppy’s home
- puppy must be a least 8 weeks old to leave their mum
- come and see the puppy you want to buy more than once
- don't buy a puppy that looks unhealthy, underweight or too young
- ensure the puppy is microchipped before buying
- ensure you obtain a licence from your local council to keep your puppy
- report any concerns you have regarding the breeder to your local council
- ask for veterinary record of initial vaccinations
- make sure the breeder/seller has prepared the puppy for the world around it
- make sure the breeder/seller can give you as much information as possible about the puppy
- ensure there is a contract of sale for the puppy, take it and bring it with you
- the purchase transaction itself should take place at the licence holder’s premises
- do not be pressurised into buying a puppy if you have any doubts about the breeder
- always consider re-homing from a rescue shelter or animal charity organisation