We worked from home since 1995 to raise the money to build the kennels, my husband Frank has been my rock allowing me to fulfill a lifetime dream of working with and helping dogs who have needed us, some more than others.
Yes there have been some very sad times when some wee souls we just couldn’t save have gone to Rainbow Bridge, we miss each and everyone.
To our dedicated team of volunteers and everyone who has helped us along the way: we couldn’t have done it without you and count ourselves very lucky to have you on board.
Look out for some charity nights where you can come along and help us celebrate.
My New Year’s resolution is to get our ‘Staff and Volunteers’ section of the website complete so that everyone who visits can “meet” them and their own dogs (most of whom are Second Chancers I am proud to say!)

Welcome to our 3rd Greyhound Rescue Fife Dog Show that will take place indoors on Sunday the 2nd May at Caldwell’s farm near Collessie in Fife. The organiser’s hope that this family friendly event will help raise awareness of the plight of greyhounds in a relaxed atmosphere and allow people not only the opportunity to talk about their dogs but show them as well. Although the show will have a predominantly greyhound slant to it, some classes will be open to other breeds as well. If you do not have a dog then this is the ideal opportunity to come along and see these majestic dogs “strut” their stuff and learn more about them and expel many of the myths.
Prices
Entry to this whole day event costs only £3pp with accompanying kids going free (16 and under). Although people can pay on the day, buying an advanced ticket will give you entry to our free prize draw, which will take place at the half way stage. These tickets can be purchased at any of the Fife greyhound dog walks or from Jimmy/Celia and others in the Fife area (look out for the posters). This year to ensure that everybody entering the show hall has paid we will be issuing wristbands at the front door as you come in, so please wear at all times during the event otherwise you may be asked to pay again !! On the day entry to each class will cost £1 per dog (payable on entry to the ring) with the exception of “best family of dogs” which costs £1.50 for 2 or more dogs (any breed) and the final which is free.
Venue facilities
Caldwell’s farm, Collessie, By Ladybank, Fife, KY15 7UY. Click here for map. Show will take place indoors in a sandy horse-riding arena. There are car parking and toilet facilities. We also have the use of the adjacent field for anybody wanting to walk their dogs during the day. As it is a working farm owners are asked to be in control of their dogs at all times and clean up any mess they may make. We will also have hot/cold drinks, sandwiches, crisps and confectionery for sale. GRF Merchandise, home baking, book sale, kids lucky dip, tombola and Wii ski jumping competition will also be available on the day, along with several commercial companies who will have various dog treats for sale on the day. These commercial companies help sponsor our event and we would encourage as many of you as possible to visit these stands to find out what these companies have to offer.
Directions

From the M90 southbound, exit at junction 9 onto the A912 following signs for Cupar and Glenfarg. At the roundabout go straight on for Glenfarg. Follow the road alongside the river until you pass the quarry on your left, then turn left signed for Gateside. In Gateside turn left onto the A91.From the A91 eastbound pass through Gateside, and through Auchtermuchty. Approx. 2 miles from Auchtermuchty, you will see hedges beginning on your left and a line of mature trees leading up the hill. Turn left into the drive for Caldwell farm.From the M90 northbound, exit at junct.8 following signs for the A91, St Andrews and Falkland Palace.From the A91westbound. At the Melville Lodge roundabout and the junction with A92 to Ladybank and Dundee, take the A91 signed Auchtermuchty. Follow the A91 until a staggered crossroads, with the ‘Animal Park’ and Giffordtown on the left and Collessie and Newburgh on the right. Caldwell farm is the second entrance on the right after the junction.Watch out for the greyhound signs and balloons.Programme
Door open at 11:00 with the first class starting at 11:30. The winners of each class will go into the “Best of show” final. Your dogs can be entered into as many classes as you want. If you have several dogs at the show and you wish to enter a particular class we hope to have walkers available to take your dog round the ring.
Show order

Best junior handlerBest male greyhoundBest non-greyhoundHomeless hound parade (+ advanced ticket raffle)Best family of dogsBest loveable faceBest female greyhoundHomeless hound parade 2 (+ main raffle)Best in show final
Best junior handler: This class is open to all kids 16 and under allowing them the opportunity to show their dogs off (Open to all dog breeds).Best male greyhound: As the title suggests for male greyhounds only, a highly competitive field is expected to see who is crowned prince of the show !Best non-greyhound: open to all other breeds except greyhounds allowing the best of the rest an opportunity to reach the final !Best family of dogs: Open to owners with 2 or more dogs of any breed, the winners of this class will nominate one of their dogs to go into the final.Best loveable face: Open to all breeds with the judges paying particular attention to the dogs facial features, if your dog has a cute face with eyes to melt your heart then this is the class for you !Best female greyhound: The penultimate class and probably the most competitive of the show who will be crowned princess of the greyhounds (open to female greyhounds only).Best of show: The final which is open to all winners of the previous classes. — Who will be crowned King/Queen of the dog world ?Prizes
Rosettes and prizes will be awarded to the first 6 dogs in each class (more than any other dog show !!) with the first three also receiving a certificate. All winners will also have their photograph taken in front of our sponsors wall. Who will be crowned King or Queen of the show in 2010 ?
Previous winners.
2008: Duke (2 year old male greyhound – winner of Best Junior handler class)
2009: Blue (2 year old male greyhound – winner of Best male greyhound class)

National Pet Month in a NutshellWhen?From 3 April – 3 May 2010, you are invited to be a part of National Pet Month, sponsored by Argos. Thousands of people up and down the UK will be celebrating life with their pets, spreading the word on responsible pet ownership or raising money for their favourite charity in fun-filled events. Why not be a part of this?Why?National Pet Month’s aims are toPromote responsible pet ownershipMake people aware of the mutual benefits of living with petsIncrease public awareness of the role of pet care specialistsRaise awareness of the value of working and assistance companion animalsWhat?Each year the responsible pet ownership message is conveyed by running the events under a central theme. Our 2010 theme is ‘Healthy pets make happy pets’ – perfect to promote responsible pet ownership.Who?National Pet Month is a registered charity, unique in bringing together animal welfare charities, professional bodies, pet businesses, schools, youth groups and pet lovers, with the common goal of improving the welfare of pets. The trustees are National Office of Animal Health (NOAH), Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) and Pet Care Trust (PCT).How?Anyone interested in running events for National Pet Month should check out the details on putting on an event.

Have your vet examine your pet annually or more often, if necessary.Once your dog becomes older it is time to take some preventative steps in order for them remain healthy, happy and active. Have your vet examine your pet annually or more often, if necessary.As in humans, keep your dogs weight within the proper or optimum range.

An overweight dog has far more health problems such as joint problems, arthritis, diabetes and liver or kidney malfunctions.

Cut down on the amount of treats given to your pet.As with dogs of any age, make sure there is always fresh, cool water available. Some older dogs have problems getting to the water bowl so either take the water to them or place bowls of water in several different places so they do not have to go far for a drink.If possible take your dog for a short walk daily. This helps the dog’s blood circulation and provides some new sights and smells to stimulate them and it gives you quality time to spend with your pet.

He may be older but still curious. Even better take your dog to Doggie Paddles for a swim, the water is warm and your dog will receive a non-weight bearing exercise. And he’ll LOVE IT……You may need to switch from dry food to a moist or canned food as your dog ages.  His teeth may not be able to handle the hardness of dry kibbles. Looking after your older dog and taking him to the vet regularly helps keep your dog healthy and happy longer.

When Pepper the dachshund lost the use of her legs she was nearly sent to the great kennel in the sky.

But her owner Joy Bloyce knew there was life in the old dog yet.

Instead of following the vet’s advice and having Pepper put down, she put her in hydrotherapy instead.

It took five months of twice-weekly £20 sessions – and a lot of dog paddling – but finally she is able to trot about again.

Miss Bloyce said her pet’s troubles began earlier this year with a slipped disc, which became so painful that she was only able to drag herself along with her front paws.

She had an operation to fix the disc but her muscles had wasted away and she was still unable to walk.

Miss Bloyce, a dental nurse from Colchester in Essex, said:

‘The vet that carried out the operation said there was no point in carrying on.

‘I’ve had her for seven years since she was a puppy and I wasn’t going to accept that, and neither was Pepper.’

Miss Bloyce took Pepper to Animal Magic Hydrotherapy, Fitness and Grooming in Colchester.

The dog was put in a lifejacket and encouraged to swim around in a small pool to strengthen her back and leg muscles.

Therapist Kerry Youngman said: ‘When Pepper first came in she was so weak I had to tickle her toes to get her to move.

‘But she’s come on in leaps and bounds and now is one of the strongest swimmers we have. Her little tail whirls round like a propeller when she’s swimming.

By DANIEL BATE

Soft Tissue Injuries in dogs

Many pets are presented for evaluation of a mild lameness or limp which usually shows

up after rough play, or activity on ice, snow, mud, or other slippery surfaces. Most of

these cases involve damage to the soft tissues structures of the lame leg including

muscle, tendon, ligament, & joint capsule injuries. Types of injuries include partial

tears, strains (stretching but not tearing of fibers), and full ruptures of tendons and

ligaments. In most instances, pets will usually walk and bear some weight on the leg,

but will have a noticeable limp. Occasionally, animals will bear a little weight when

moving, but hold the injured leg up when standing still or sitting. Other times a pet may

weight bear only when stationary, but refuse to bear weight when ambulatory (moving).

Strains and sprains are generally not considered emergencies, however some pets will

initially be non-weight bearing on the affected leg thus mimicking a fracture. It is

always best to have a severe lameness evaluated by a veterinarian, but you may wish to

give the pet with a mild lameness 24 – 48 hours to see if the lameness resolves. Often

with strict rest and short leash walks, a minor lameness will resolve in a few days.

One of the most common soft tissue injuries seen in dogs results from damage to the

cranial cruciate ligament in the stifle or knee joint- similar to the injury seen in human

athletes (basketball, skiing, football etc.). Meniscal damages are common as well.

Cruciate ligament ruptures result in an acute non (or limited) weight bearing hind end

lameness which many owners can mistake for a fracture. If there is any doubt in the

owners mind, the dog should be evaluated as soon as possible to eliminate the

possibility of a fracture. Obese cats can also have cruciate tears.

Symptoms

• History of trauma or rough play

• Limping or non-weight bearing on a leg

• Holding up a hind end (cruciate knee injury)

• Swollen painful area on leg

• Crepitus in area (bone grinding on bone)

• Joint laxity

• Trembling swollen muscles

Diagnosis

The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of the dog, including the bones

and joints if the dog will permit. When a dog is mildly lame, the dog should be

observed walking to evaluate the location and severity of the lameness (limp). Careful

limb and muscle palpation is used to identify thickened, warm, loose, or painful areas.

All joints should be flexed and extended and checked for laxity indicating strain and

joint effusion or swelling within the joint capsule. In many cases, the doctor will take

radiographs of the suspected area to rule out the possibility of small fractures or joint

luxations (dislocation). Occasionally, ultrasound can be used to image the soft tissue

structures and look for tears within the body of the tendons and ligaments.

Therapy

Physical therapy- In most cases, minor strains and sprains resolve on their own with a

matter of time, and strict exercise restriction. Sprains should be treated similar to how

you would treat a twisted ankle on yourself. Ice compresses can be used for the first 24

hours followed by warm compresses on the affected area after 24 hours.

Medical therapy- If the dog has been evaluated by the veterinarian and the lameness

has been determined not to be serious, your veterinarian may prescribe antiinflammatory

medication such as Rimadyl® or Etogesic®, both of which are safe aspirin-like drugs

for dogs. Never give Tylenol®, Advil®, or any other human medication to dogs, for

even at low doses, these drugs can be toxic to dogs and cause death.

Surgical therapy- In the case of cranial cruciate ligament ruptures, or severe

ligament or tendon tears, surgery may be required to repair the damage and reattach

structures. Patients are often in bandages and splints for a period of time after surgery

and their exercise restricted for several months. Many of these patients benefit from

physical therapy which owners can be taught to do at home.

Prognosis

Generally good to excellent depending on severity of the injury. Cruciate ruptures

almost always require surgery for the most favorable long term outcome. Joints that

suffer repeated trauma are likely to develop arthritis as the dog ages.

Prevention

The number one risk factor associated with sprains and strains is being overweight or

obese. Obesity in the canine and feline population is growing problem should be

corrected as soon as possible. There are a number of high quality balanced dog foods

formulated specifically to promote weight loss available on the market.

thanks to NEAMC

• Difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position or in climbing stairs.

• Moving both rear legs together while walking

• A painful reaction to extension of the rear legs

• Dropping of pelvis after pushing on rump

• A stilted gait or pelvic swing while walking

• An aversion to touch

• A change in behavior

• Whining

• Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or play

• Lameness after strenuous exercise

• Hunching of back to avoid extending the hips when standing

What is canine hip dysplasia?

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is one of the most frustrating diseases in veterinary medicine today simply because it is so difficult to prevent and treat.  CHD is a developmental disease of the bones in which the head of the thigh bone poorly fits the hip socket, causing damage to the cartilage, gradual destruction of the joint, pain and swelling. This disease should not be confused with hip arthritis. Rather, it is the most common cause of arthritis in the hips.

How is canine hip dysplasia transmitted?

CHD is a inheritable disease.  It is passed on by the parents to the offspring.  The only effective measure therefore to eradicate the disease is to prevent dogs with hip dysplasia from breeding.  However, this is easier said than done, because not all dogs with hip dysplasia show signs of the disease.  Seemingly normal dogs still carry the gene for CHD and are bred, causing the disease to stay within the genepool.

How does one know if a dog has hip dysplasia?

A dog with hip dysplasia generally has less energy and movement. It has difficulty rising from a sitting position, lameness in the back legs, is hopping like a rabbit when running, and is reluctant to go up the stairs.  However, these symptoms are usually not evident till the dog reaches middle age.  In extreme cases though, some dogs exhibit obvious hip problems as early as 5-6 months of age.

How does a vet confirm if a dog has hip dysplasia?

Sad to say, there is no blood test or genetic test yet that will detect if a dog is a carrier of CHD or not. Diagnosis of the disease is routinely done through physical examinations and x-rays.  X-rays help in assessing how bad the condition is, and through comparison with future x-rays, it can also serve as a gauge of how well the chosen treatment is working.  Two techniques for taking x-rays of CHD-afflicted dogs are listed below:

1.hip-extended ventrodorsal view x-ray – It provides a frontal view of the pelvis and  hip-joints and best assesses the degree of severity of arthritis present.

2.PennHIP radiography technique – It is used to detect hip looseness in dogs as young as four months of age.

What are the treatment options for canine hip dysplasia?

There is no real cure for CHD just yet, but there are conservative or non-surgical ways to relieve its symptoms.  These include the use of drugs to relieve pain and inflammation.  Rimadyl, Ectogesic and Deramaxx are effective and have given a lot of suffering dogs the relief needed to live a normal life.  Weight loss programs, controlled exercise and physical therapy are also very effective in certain cases.

When conservative treatment is not enough, the only other option is surgery. Surgery can be very effective as it corrects the underlying cause of hip pain which is a malformed joint.  Surgery is approached in two different ways when dealing with hip dysplasia.  Prophylactic surgery is done to prevent the progression af arthritis while therapeutic surgery aims to treat already arthritic hips.

Triple pelvic osteotomy is the primary preventive procedure available.  It involves cutting the pelvis in three places and rotating the hip sockets to provide better coverage.  This procedure is effective as long as it is done before arthritis sets in or before the joint is damaged.  Another kind of preventive surgery, although still being studied if it is effective or not, is pubic symphysiodesis.  This involves manipulating the way the pelvis grows to ensure a tighter hip.  This procedure is done on very young dogs.

Therapeutic procedures include total hip replacement  and femoral head ostectomy.  Total hip replacement is performed mainly on larger dogs.  High density, medical plastic is used to replace the socket and a high-quality, non-corrosive alloy is used for the ball. This procedure has a high success rate, almost completely eliminates pain and enables the dog to completely resume activity.

Another therapeutic procedure for hip dysplasia is femoral head ostectomy.  It involves the removal of the top of the femur which then eliminates the painful grinding at the hip joint.  The femur is then allowed to float freely causing the formation of scar tisue which then serves as a false joint. This procedure is not recommended for mild cases of arthritis and is generally effective only on smaller, well-muscled dogs.

Can canine hip dysplasia be prevented?

The best measure of prevention is of course careful breeding since hip dysplasia is a inheritable condition. The onset of hip dysplasia can be delayed in many dogs with a genetic predisposition by preventing excessive weight gain during the early months and by making sure that the puppy does not place undue stress on the hips.

OFA and  PennHip offers information on breed risk.  Prospective puppy buyers are advised to check for pedigrees for OFA, PennHip or GDC certifications.

The signs of Canine hip dysplasia

• Difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position or in climbing stairs.

• Moving both rear legs together while walking

• A painful reaction to extension of the rear legs

• Dropping of pelvis after pushing on rump

• A stilted gait or pelvic swing while walking

• An aversion to touch

• A change in behavior

• Whining

• Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or play

• Lameness after strenuous exercise

• Hunching of back to avoid extending the hips when standing

What is canine hip dysplasia?

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is one of the most frustrating diseases in veterinary medicine today simply because it is so difficult to prevent and treat.  CHD is a developmental disease of the bones in which the head of the thigh bone poorly fits the hip socket, causing damage to the cartilage, gradual destruction of the joint, pain and swelling. This disease should not be confused with hip arthritis. Rather, it is the most common cause of arthritis in the hips.

How is canine hip dysplasia transmitted?

CHD is a inheritable disease.  It is passed on by the parents to the offspring.  The only effective measure therefore to eradicate the disease is to prevent dogs with hip dysplasia from breeding.  However, this is easier said than done, because not all dogs with hip dysplasia show signs of the disease.  Seemingly normal dogs still carry the gene for CHD and are bred, causing the disease to stay within the genepool.

How does one know if a dog has hip dysplasia?

A dog with hip dysplasia generally has less energy and movement. It has difficulty rising from a sitting position, lameness in the back legs, is hopping like a rabbit when running, and is reluctant to go up the stairs.  However, these symptoms are usually not evident till the dog reaches middle age.  In extreme cases though, some dogs exhibit obvious hip problems as early as 5-6 months of age.

How does a vet confirm if a dog has hip dysplasia?

Sad to say, there is no blood test or genetic test yet that will detect if a dog is a carrier of CHD or not. Diagnosis of the disease is routinely done through physical examinations and x-rays.  X-rays help in assessing how bad the condition is, and through comparison with future x-rays, it can also serve as a gauge of how well the chosen treatment is working.  Two techniques for taking x-rays of CHD-afflicted dogs are listed below:

1.hip-extended ventrodorsal view x-ray – It provides a frontal view of the pelvis and  hip-joints and best assesses the degree of severity of arthritis present.

2.PennHIP radiography technique – It is used to detect hip looseness in dogs as young as four months of age.

What are the treatment options for canine hip dysplasia?

There is no real cure for CHD just yet, but there are conservative or non-surgical ways to relieve its symptoms.  These include the use of drugs to relieve pain and inflammation.  Rimadyl, Ectogesic and Deramaxx are effective and have given a lot of suffering dogs the relief needed to live a normal life.  Weight loss programs, controlled exercise and physical therapy are also very effective in certain cases.

When conservative treatment is not enough, the only other option is surgery. Surgery can be very effective as it corrects the underlying cause of hip pain which is a malformed joint.  Surgery is approached in two different ways when dealing with hip dysplasia.  Prophylactic surgery is done to prevent the progression af arthritis while therapeutic surgery aims to treat already arthritic hips.

Triple pelvic osteotomy is the primary preventive procedure available.  It involves cutting the pelvis in three places and rotating the hip sockets to provide better coverage.  This procedure is effective as long as it is done before arthritis sets in or before the joint is damaged.  Another kind of preventive surgery, although still being studied if it is effective or not, is pubic symphysiodesis.  This involves manipulating the way the pelvis grows to ensure a tighter hip.  This procedure is done on very young dogs.

Therapeutic procedures include total hip replacement  and femoral head ostectomy.  Total hip replacement is performed mainly on larger dogs.  High density, medical plastic is used to replace the socket and a high-quality, non-corrosive alloy is used for the ball. This procedure has a high success rate, almost completely eliminates pain and enables the dog to completely resume activity.

Another therapeutic procedure for hip dysplasia is femoral head ostectomy.  It involves the removal of the top of the femur which then eliminates the painful grinding at the hip joint.  The femur is then allowed to float freely causing the formation of scar tisue which then serves as a false joint. This procedure is not recommended for mild cases of arthritis and is generally effective only on smaller, well-muscled dogs.

Can canine hip dysplasia be prevented?

The best measure of prevention is of course careful breeding since hip dysplasia is a inheritable condition. The onset of hip dysplasia can be delayed in many dogs with a genetic predisposition by preventing excessive weight gain during the early months and by making sure that the puppy does not place undue stress on the hips.

OFA and  PennHip offers information on breed risk.  Prospective puppy buyers are advised to check for pedigrees for OFA, PennHip or GDC certifications.

Dog Toys are an important part of dog training or if you have a behaviour problem

There are many different types of toys are the market. You may say “my dog doesn’t play with toys, or my dog destroys toys within 10 minutes. If you need any advice on these maters please contact Pauline@k9harmony.co.uk and Pauline will be more than happy to advice you.

Toys are not optional. You need to purchase one or more toys. All dogs are different in there own way, and you may need to experiment to find the toy your dog likes.

• Hard Rubber Toys: These are probably among the safest dog toys on the market. Make allowances for the dog’s size. If your pet can get his or her jaws totally around such a toy, they may be able to chew it in half. In general, however, these toys provide hours of safe and gleeful chewing. This is particularly true if they are treat balls. If you can hide something edible within the toy, you will capture almost any dog’s attention.

• Soft toys: Plush, soft, pliable toys make your puppy feel more secure. Some will cuddle a soft toy. Some will continue cuddling it long after they have removed its head. Be sure there are no removable small parts. Some have a squeaky. This makes it particularly attractive for a few reasons. Your dog can comfort it. Your pet can make it cry – sometimes, to your annoyance, many, many times. There is a good reason to try to demolish it. Check to see if the squeaky, once removed, does not end up in the dog’s stomach. Make sure the fabric is not toxic. Be prepared to see bits and drabs in your dog’s poop.

• Squeaky toys: Some dogs love the rubber or plastic type of squeaky toys. In fact, they love them to pieces. This is one reason why people spend good money looking for the ideal tough squeaky toy – preferably one with a silencer. Maybe the ideal is one only a dog can hear? And, yes, there is one on the market.

Some people stock up on inexpensive squeaky toys. They may or may not save money. It depends upon your puppy or dog. If your canine is in the habit of swallowing squeaky toys whole or devours entire large chunks, the vet bills may make it not a saving at all. It is better to fork out more money now and prevent emergency operations.

• Rope toys: There are dogs out there who adore rope toys. They will chew, pull and shred them. These are braided rope, twisted and soft enough not to harm a dog’s gums and teeth. They may encompass a toy, making them doubly interesting. As in the case of squeaky toys, be careful. Rope toys come apart. A dog will swallow them. They will reappear later. I guarantee it.

• Nylon toys: These are another variety. They are tough. They can be quite durable. These may come in different shapes, but they can be very boring to your dog unless you get involved.

• Puzzle Toys or Treat Balls: These are fairly new on the market. They require your dog put his thinking cap on. For some this could be very difficult – except there is food involved. Some not so intelligent dogs are quite clever when it comes to getting food.  Puzzle toys are meant to be filled with treats. Once you have loaded it up, you give it to the dog. Your Einstein then has to figure out how to remove the treats. It can be frustrating, challenging and fun.

So, go ahead and buy that new puppy or older dog some toys. Be aware of the pros and cons of each. Buy appropriate toys, suitable to the character of your dog. Make sure they are safe, fun and far from boring. Your pet, and your furniture, will thank you.

Information written by Jenny Gerard of <a href=”http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-toys/”>Oh My Dog Supplies</a>, where you can find a incredible collection of <a href=”http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/dog-supplies/dog-carriers/”>airline approved dog carriers</a> online. Edited by Pauline Waller www.k9harmony.co.uk

Animal Welfare Act 2006 (PDF)

This Act came into force on the 27th March 2007 in Wales and the 6th April 2007 in England. The new Act increases and introduces new penalties to deal with acts of cruelty, and obligation of care to animals. This means that a people who owns a, dog, or looks after a dog and other animals are now legally obliged to ensure the welfare of the animals in their care. When an animal is in your care you are covered by the Act.
For example: Any neglect, mutilation, tail docking, animal fighting and the giving of pets as prizes. In addition to this it will introduce a duty of care for all pet owners to provide for their animals a suitable environment, a suitable diet, the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease and consideration of the animal’s needs to be housed with, or apart from, other animals.
The Control of Dogs Order 1992

This means that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address and postcode of the owner engraved on a disc tag. Your telephone number is optional (but advisable) if a dog is not wearing a collar in a public place the police could seize the dog and treat it as a stray. the owner, or person in charge of the dog permitting him to be in a public place without a collar, will each be guilty of an offence and may be prosecuted and fined.
If your dog does strays, run away you need to contact your local dog warden (through the Environmental Health Department at your local council) and the local police station. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows for your dog to be seized and sold or destroyed if unclaimed after a seven day period.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005

With these acts, you maybe fined up to £1,000 for breaking dog control orders. Local authorities can make orders for standard offences including:  restricting where a person can walk a dog on or off lead, how many dogs a person can walk at one time. This makes it an offence if a person in charge of a dog fails to clean up its faeces.  Designated land may include parks, roads, and other public areas within the local authority’s boundaries. Also any land which is open to the air and to which the public are permitted to have access.
The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act also updates the law on stray dogs by transferring the responsibility for strays from the police to the local authorities.  Clean Neighborhoods and Environment Act 2005 since 6th April 2006 local authorities in England and Wales have had the power to introduce new Dog Control Orders under this Act

Micro-chipping Dogs are often re-homed or worse destroyed because the dog’s owners cannot be found and the dog cannot find a home. If a dog is micro-chipped with a identification number registered on a national database, owners can be traced quickly and returned safely. The Petlog Premium service can notify local vets and dog wardens when an owner reports where their pet lost. This can be done via telephone, SMS text message or visit Petlog website www.petlog.org.uk. Phone Petlog on 0870 606 6751. If you lose your dog, you should stay in regular contact with the local council, Petlog, vets, dog shelters and the police, and put up posters in the area where your dog was lost.
Dog wardens can take hold of stray dogs and the police, for now, still have discretionary power to seize stray dogs under the Dogs Act 1906. The finder of a stray dog must return it to its owner (if known), or take it to the local authority or police (although soon, only the local authority will receive stray dogs). It is illegal to take a found dog into your home without reporting it to the police first.
If you wish to keep the dog, maybe permitted, providing you can look after the dog, and agree to keep it for at least 28 days. Yet, if the original owner can come forward and the dog could be return to them.
Byelaws on noisy animals If your dog’s barking causes a serious nuisance to neighbours, the local authority can serve a noise abatement notice, which if unheeded can result in you paying fines and legal expenses.
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (section 3)

It is a illegal and an offence for the owner or the person in charge of a dog to allow a dog to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in a public place, a place where it is not allowed to be, and some other areas. A dangerously out of control dog can be defined as a dog that has injured someone or a dog that a person has grounds for reasonable apprehension that it may do so.
When a dog in your charge dog chases, barks at or jumps up at a person or child could lead in a complaint, so make sure that your dog is under control at all times. If your dog injures a person, it could be seized by the police and your penalty may include a prison sentence and/or a ban on keeping dogs. There is also an automatic presumption that your dog will be destroyed unless you can convince the court the dog is not a danger to the public, in which case it may be subject to a control order. You may also have to pay a fine, compensation and costs.
The following breeds are banned under the Dangerous Dog Act:- American Pit Bull Terriers, Fila Brasiliero, Dogo Argentino and Japanese Tosa.
The Road Traffic Act 1988

makes it an offence to have a dog on a designated road without it being held on a lead. Local authorities may have similar bye-laws covering public areas. Dogs traveling in vehicles should not be an irritation or in any way distract the driver during a journey. If a dog is injured by a vehicle, the driver is required to stop and give their details to the person in charge of the dog. If there is no person in charge of the dog, the incident must be reported to the police within 24 hours.

Animals Act 1971

You may well be liable for damage caused by your dog under this Act or under some degree of negligence. It is worthwhile having third party liability insurance to cover this.
Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963 Anyone boarding animals as a business even at home needs a licensed by your local authority.
Dogs protection of livestock Act 1953

Dogs must not bother, chase or attack livestock that means cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry on agricultural land, keep your dog on a lead around livestock. If your dog worries livestock, the farmer has the right to stop your dog even by shooting your dog in certain circumstances.
Dogs Act 1871

It is a civil offence if a dog is dangerous to people or animals and not kept under proper control that means not on a lead nor muzzled. This law can apply wherever the incident happened. A dog can be issued with a control or a destruction order and you may have to pay costs.
For more information please click on the underlined titles or visit The Kennel Club who will keep up to date with any new laws and is the place for advice on these matters.