Companion animal management

What is the importance to correct animal handling?

To avoid injury to the animal.

To reduce stress for the animal.

To avoid injury to the handler.

What should you do before handling any animal?

Wash your hands with soap and water.

Make sure the room is secure.

Have any equipment needed (e.g. holding cage) ready to use.

Ensure all small animals are handled at ground level or over a surface.

What are the characteristics of guinea pigs?

Nervous and highly-strung.

Very noisy - mainly squealing, whistling and grunting sounds.

Rarely every bite.

Unable to climb or jump.

They will run away.

How do you handle guinea pigs?

To catch the guinea pig, place one hand over the shoulders.

Move this hand under the chest.

Use the other hand to lift and support the hind quarters.

Hold the guinea pig to your body for security.

What are the characteristic of rabbits for handling?

Can be very difficult.

It is not a natural experience for a rabbit, so may be fearful.

May wriggle, kick out and even bite when you try to pick them up.

How not to pick up a rabbit:

* Never pick up by the ears, legs or scruff - these could result in serious harm to your rabbit.
* Never use rabbit ‘trancing’ - causes stress and still aware of surroundings/pain.
* If you cannot carry the rabbit without it jumping from your arms then use a carry case.

Rabbits are especially susceptible to the effects of stress and should always be approached in a calm and confident manner.

How do you handle a rabbit?

Use two hands, one supporting the chest and one supporting the rump.

* For small rabbits you can position the hand supporting the chest so that your thumb is over their shoulder for a firmer grip.

Hold the rabbit with its head slightly higher than its rump and with the rump slightly tucked in.

* This prevents the rabbit kicking out backwards or doing a summersault.

Bring the rabbit close to your body for a firm hold - supporting the body hind quarters and placing the rabbit’s head in the crook of your arm.

Use your free hand to support the shoulders.

* For longer distances, use a carry case.

Rabbits may be restrained by wrapping them in a drape or towel. If the rabbit is securely wrapped, it will not struggle.

Rabbits can also be restrained by the scruff with the rump supported - but this should only be done if absolutely necessary as it can be painful for the rabbit.

If a surface is available, the rabbit can be held down with your arm, whilst holding their scruff.

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How do you release a rabbit after handling?

When putting the rabbit back into its house or on to the floor, you need to be careful not to let it jump out of your arms.

Many rabbits will attempt to leap down once they see an opportunity.

Hold the rabbit very firmly until its feet are on the ground. Be careful as you let go as some rabbits will kick out backwards once released.

What are the characteristics of rats for handling?

Generally very sociable.

Easy to catch.

Gentle but firm contact.

Weight evenly across body.

What are the characteristics of mice for handling?

Generally easy to restrain.

Their small size makes them vulnerable to physical injury, usually by the handler dropping them when bitten.

Some are very active and may attempt to jump away from the handler.

How do you handle and restrain a mouse?

Can be caught by cupping.

The animal can be restrained by the tail, preferably the proximal third, but the tail should not support the animal’s weight.

Do NOT pick up a mouse by its tail.

The mouse can also be secured by the scruff and tail - but only if absolutely necessary.

What are the characteristics of gerbils for handling?

Often try to evade capture from handlers.

Remove exercise wheels, cover structures and other furnishings from the cage beforehand.

What is gerbil de-gloving?

Never restrain by the tail as the skin of the tail is delicate and tends to tear easily.

This is called ‘de-gloving’.

How do you restrain and handle a gerbil?

Gerbils should be cupped using one or two hands, or can be scruffed if necessary.

Gerbils should be restrained using the claw method.

What are the characteristics of hamsters for handling?

Hamsters are nocturnal, so will need to be woken up gently before handling.

Some hamsters are likely to bite.

How do you handle a hamster?

Two hand method:

* Gently scoop the hamster into two hands, making sure you have the body and all feet supported.

One hand method:

* With your fingers towards to hamster’s rear end, grasp the hamster securely with your palm along the animal’s back.
* Your middle fingers should support its rump on either side of the tail.
* Lift gently.
* You may then transfer the hamster into the palm of your other hand and stroke it as a reward.

How do you restrain a hamster?

To initially restrain a hamster, the animal can be placed beneath the palm of one hand.

Hamsters should be restrained using the ‘claw’ method.

Scruffing a hamster can be very dangerous.

What are characteristics of chinchillas for handling?

Can be very tricky to catch.

May be vocal and can be shy/nervous and reluctant to stay for prolonged periods.

How do you handle and restrain a chinchilla?

The best approach is to hold the animal gently around the thorax.

The hindquarters should then be supported with the other hand.

Hold the chinchilla to your body.

What is chinchilla fur slip?

Be aware than chinchilla fur, although dense, is not tightly attached and this serves as a defence mechanism to predator attacks.

The fur should not be grasped roughly during catching; it may result in a dropped patch of fur in a frightened animal.

What are the characteristics of snake handling?

Any snake more than 1.5m long should be handled by more than two people.

Should preferably not be handled around shedding time and for 48 hours after feeding.

How do you handle a snake?

When lifted the whole body weight must be supported.

If friendly, allow the snake to move in your hands and get itself ‘comfortable’.

For restraint, keep hand located at the base of the head.

What is some equipment that you may need for a snake handle?

Snake hooks and snake bags can be used to aid catching and restraint of aggressive snakes or venemous snakes.

The hook would be used to catch or immobilise the snake. Once under control, take the snake in hand as previously shown.

What are the characteristics of lizards for handling?

Some lizards can be very quick - do not grab to catch as the additional pressure could harm them.

Restraint will depend on their size/

What is the handling and restraint for small lizards?

Scoop in cupped hands.

Curl fingers along the back of the animal, with thumb under the animal’s underside to gently restrain.

What is the handling and restraint for a large lizard?

Use one hand to lift each end of the body.

Position on the palm of one hand and support the back with the other.

What is the important considerations of lizard’s tails when handling?

Lizards can drop their tail when stressed.

Some large lizards will use their tail as a whip when feeling threatened.

What are the characteristics of amphibians when handling?

Have a very delicate and sensible epidermis that is covered with a protective mucous barrier, which protects them against pathogens.

Some amphibians produce toxins in these mucous secretions.

When handling amphibians, always wear dampened powder free gloves.

How do you handle amphibians?

Most amphibians can be grasped in the palm of the hand and examined.

Salamanders can detach their tail, so they should never be grasped by their tail.

How do you handle pigeons?

Domestic pigeons are mostly docile and unlikely to show aggressive traits.

Care must be taken when catching them not to damage the wings or feathers.

It may take several attempts to catch them.

Once caught, secure feet between first two fingers.

Whilst cupping their body from underneath.

How do you restrain a pigeon?

For additional support, rest their breastbone against your front.

This will provide stability.

It can also aid in health checking.

What are housing requirements?

Based on a species:

* Natural habitat.
* Natural behaviour repertoir.
* Natural activity level and pattern - diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular.

Whilst balancing need for hygiene, access and security.

Design of animal housing should aim to meet best practice and evidence-based guidelines.

Just because it is being sold does not mean that it is suitable for the animal.

What are the factors should be considered when choosing an enclosure?

Enclosure material/size/dimensions.

Enclosure layout.

Enclosure substrate.

Temperature/humidity.

Food/water provision.

Shelter.

Bedding/nesting material.

Location.

Enrichment.

Social grouping.

Cleaning routine.

Enclosure maintenance.

What are the important characteristics of a rabbit for housing requirements?

Life span: 5-12 years.

Sub-species of the Wild European rabbit.

Crepuscular herbivores that spend significant time foraging.

Live in complex burrow systems in large social groups.

At high risk of predation.

What are the environmental requirements for a rabbit enclosure?

Preferred temperature range: 13-20 degrees celsius.

Optimum humidity range: 55-65%.

Rabbits can thrive in both indoor and outdoor housing.

Must be protected from extremes of weather.

* In the wild they burrow to protect themselves from extreme weather.
* Natural behaviour to burrow.

What are the space requirements for a rabbit?

Recommended space: 3m X 2m.

* Exercise area of the same size as well (recommended).

Rabbits must be able to (RSPCA advised):

* Stretch out fully.
* Stand upright on hind legs.
* Perform at least three hops from one end to the other.

Increased space encourages activity and reduces abnormal behaviour.

No legislative minimum size to keep a rabbit, only recommendations.

What are the main enclosure features you can have for a rabbit?

Multiple raised platforms for resting and hiding - hide under more so than jumping on top of.

More than one shelter/bolt hole that fits all occupants.

Items to gnaw - teeth need to be grinded down naturally through food otherwise front teeth will become overgrown and cause a health issue to the rabbit and need to be grinded down by a vet.

Areas to dig.

Smooth flooring (not wire) to prevent pododermatitis.

What is podermatitis?

A bacterial infection and inflammatory reactions of birds’ and mammals’ feet.

Bumble foot/pressure sores.

What are the hutches/cage requirements for a rabbit?

Simple hutches/cages should be used with an exercise pen.

Require at least 3 hours exercise per day outside of hutch coinciding with natural activity levels.

How can you outdoor weather proof a rabbit enclosure?

Avoid placing in direct sunlight - heat stress can occur above 28 degrees celsius.

Enclosure should be raised off the ground to prevent damp - most are made of wood and these will get damp really easily if left on the ground.

A waterproof roof and a slatted panel to cover the mesh-fronted area in bad weather are essential.

Hutch covers can be used for further protection.

* Mostly used in winter - insulation and protection.

How can a rabbit enclosure help outdoor health control?

Flea and mosquito control should be considered in summer months to reduce disease transmission e.g. myxomatosis.

Contact with wild rabbits must be prevented to reduce the risk of disease transmission by direct contact e.g. Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD).

What are the types of outdoor security for a rabbit enclosure?

Ensure runs have lids.

To prevent predation, use welded mesh with maximum gauge of 16 and ideal gap 13mm.

To prevent digging out/in, fit a wire-mesh skirt to the run.

What are the indoor hazards for a rabbit enclosure?

Electrical cables must be protected from chewing.

Poisonous house plants must be avoided.

Suitable chewable toys include: cardboard boxes or commercial animals toys, branches, hay.

What substrate would you use for a rabbit enclosure?

Always choose bedding that is untreated and dust-free or dust-extracted to prevent skin and respiratory irritation - sawdust should not be used.

Substrates with deodorising chemicals are not suitable.

Ensure bedding is safe if eaten.

Suitable choices include: soft straw, woodshavings, pulp beddings, shredded paper.

How can you litter train a rabbit?

Can be easily litter trained.

Wood or paper based litter tray should be used.

Avoid clumping/clay-based products which can be harmful if ingested.

Hay above the litter tray as they usually defecate at the same time as eating so this will train them to go into that area.

How often should you clean a rabbit enclosure?

The housing should be scrubbed with animal-safe disinfectant and water once a week.

Depending on the number of rabbits,the bedding may need to be changed more often.

Litter trays should be cleaned frequently.

What are the social groupings of rabbits?

Rabbits should ideally be kept in bonded pairs.

Allows for expression of positive social behaviours that may also benefit health.

Mixed-sex pairs are most compatible, although same-sex pairings are sometimes possible.

Intact bucks are highly likely to fight and inflict severe injury.

Neutering minimises risk of conflict.

Rabbits should not be housed with guinea pigs.

Each has specific dietary requirements.

Bullying can occur - especially by the rabbit.

Rabbits can also harbour *Bordetella bronchiseptica* which is pathogenic to guinea pigs.

What are the important characteristics of a guinea pigs for housing requirements?

Life span: 5-6 years.

Originate from grasslands of South American Andes.

Diurnal or crepuscular, spending majority of time foraging.

Use rock crevices and burrows (of other animals) for resting and hiding from predators - don’t often dig burrows out themselves.

Live in social groups of 5-10 individuals.

What is the environmental requirements for a guinea pig enclosure?

Preferred temperature range: 16-24 degrees celsius.

Optimum humidity range: 20-70%.

Temperatures above 27-30 degrees celsius can cause heat stroke.

Lower temperatures can be survived, although young do not grow well in temperatures below 13 degrees celsius.

Do not tolerate humidity and bright light.

What is the climate suitability for guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs can be housed indoors and outdoors, but outdoor suitability is dependent on climate.

In milder climates, they can be housed outdoors for the whole year.

However, in the UK outdoor guinea pigs should be sheltered in an outbuilding over winter and provided with extra insulation. An indoor run should also be provided.

What are the space requirements for a guinea pig?

Minimum: 0.9m2 per adult guinea pig.

As with rabbits, as much space as possible is desirable.

Increasing enclosure size increases expression of positive behaviours e.g. popcorning.

What are the common enclosure features for a guinea pig?

Hiding places and shelter essential (e.g. upturned boxes and tunnels) as nervous in large open spaces.

Items to gnaw.

Smooth flooring (not wire) to prevent pododermatitis.

Multiple levels using ramps - incline isn’t too steep and has a barrier on the side to prevent injury.

What are the ideal hutches for guinea pigs?

Hutches are a common option, but as with rabbits there should also be access to additional exercise/grazing areas.

Hutches should have an enclosed solid-sided nest area for shelter and a mesh-fronted section.

Alternatives to hutches:

* Garden shed conversions.
* Safe garden area.

Alternatives to cages:

* Modular cages - each piece is separate and can be built in any way to suit the area that they are in.
* Room conversions/partitions.

What are the housing considerations for a guinea pig?

Both indoor and outdoor enclosures must be strong enough to exclude cats and other predators.

Outdoor enclosures should prevent the entry of wild birds, which may be the source of infection with Salmonella.

What substrates should you use for guinea pigs?

Wood shavings, Shredded paper or hay.

Fleece liners popular for indoor guinea pigs.

Some reports that aromatic hydrocarbons in wood shavings may cause respiratory distress.

How often should a guinea pig enclosure be cleaned?

Guinea pigs are very messy and soil bedding quickly.

Not possible to litter train.

Must be cleaned out at least twice a week or more.

The hutch should be scrubbed with disinfectant and water once a week.

Unsanitary bedding increases risk of respiratory problems, pododermatitis and other health conditions.

What are the social groupings for guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs should be kept in at least pairs as presence of a conspecific can reduce stress and significantly improve expression of positive behaviours.

Two or more sows will generally live harmoniously together.

Two sexually mature boars may fight for dominance.

Mixed sex groupings can be functional, but must be neutered.

What are the important characteristics of gerbils for housing requirements?

Common breeds:

* Shaw’s jird
* Mongolian Gerbil.
* Duprasi/Fat-tailed Gerbil.

Life span: 3-4 years.

Diurnal.

Naturally from desert environments and live in deep, complex burrows.

Live in extended family social groups of 2-17 individuals.

What are the environmental requirements for a gerbil enclosure?

Optimum temperature: 20-24 degrees celsius.

Optimum humidity: 35-55%.

Avoid placing enclosure in direct sunlight or in a direct draught.

Are sensitive to infra and ultras-sound - minimise sudden irregular noises.

What are the space requirements for a gerbil?

Minimum: 10 gallons per gerbil.

Depth of enclosure is important to allow burrowing.

A minimum of 25cm substrate, but ideally at least 40cm, is recommended.

Also require space above the substrate.

As with rabbits and guinea pigs, provide as much space as possible.

What are some enclosure features for a gerbil?

Deep substrate for tunnels.

Dark nest boxes.

With provision of enough space, exercise wheels are not necessary, if provided, ensure diameter of 30cm.

Secure platforms.

Sand or dust bath for cleaning coat.

Items to gnaw.

What are the most common gerbil enclosures.

Terrariums or tanks.

They have solid sides (glass or plastic) with wire lids or toppers.

All wire enclosures are not recommended.

What substrates are used for a gerbil?

Substrate needs to be loose but stable enough to support tunnel structures.

Organic soil or peat provide a natural option.

Can be combined with paper based products to increase absorbency.

Nesting materials should also be provided e.g. shredded paper, hay.

How often should a gerbil enclosure be cleaned?

Gerbils rely heavily on scent cues to communicate.

Spot cleaning is therefore preferred to avoid removing scent cues.

This is required regularly to prevent disease and build up of mould.

As gerbils produce small amounts of concentrated urine, full cleans can be extended to once every 1-2 months.

For full cleans, a small amount of old bedding should be reused to retain scent.

The enclosure must be fully dried refilling substrate to prevent mould growth.

What are the social groupings for gerbils?

Gerbils are social animals and should live in social groups.

Only house with same sex litter mates to prevent fighting.

Male groups tend to be more harmonious than female groups.

Avoid separating individuals from their social group, as they may fight when reintroduced.

Adult gerbils are difficult to regroup.

What are the important characteristics of rats for housing requirements?

Life span: 2-3 years.

Domesticated from the wild brown rat.

Adaptable to various environments.

Create extensive tunnel networks.

Nocturnal with some crepuscular activity.

Live in extended family social groups.

What are the important characteristics of mice for housing requirements?

Life span: 1-2 years.

Nocturnal activity but can acclimatise to dirunal husbandry patterns.

Exhibit climbing, nest making and burrowing behaviour.

Live in family social groups.

What are the environmental requirements for rats and mice?

Optimum temperature: 19-23 degrees celsius.

Optimum humidity: 40-70%.

Sensitive to bright light, unpredictable noises and/or ultrasound.

What are the space requirements for rats and mice?

Minimum for rats: 90cm (L) x 60cm (D) x 120cm (H) for groups up to 5.

Minimum for mice: 80cm (L) x 50cm (D) x 50 (H) for a pair of mice.

What are the enclosure features for rats and mice?

Enough space to compartmentalise eating, toileting and resting.

Require 3D complexity e.g. multi-levels, tubes, ropes, hammocks and climbing structures to increase complexity.

Foraging and digging areas.

Dark shelters or hiding spots.

Items to gnaw.

What are the cage requirements for rats and mice?

A cage made of wire with a solid plastic bottom is ideal.

Aquariums are sometimes used but likely not to provide adequate ventilation.

Mice also prefer opaque materials.

Maximum bar spacing of 6mm to prevent escape.

What substrate should be used for rats and mice?

Must be dust-extracted.

Wood-based bedding may cause respiratory illness.

Also provide nesting material e.g. shredded paper, hay.

When should rats and mice enclosures be cleaned?

Ammonia can be a potent respiratory irritant, positively correlated with prevalence of Mycoplasma pulmonis lung lesion.

Ammonia build-up must be limited with good cleaning protocols - full clean recommended every 1-2 weeks.

However, frequent cage cleaning can cause stress from removal of scent cues.

Spot cleaning and reuse of clean, old bedding important to reduce stress.

What are the social groupings for rats and mice?

Rats and mice are both social species.

Keep in groups of same sex litter mates.

Neutering may reduce aggression.

Mice and rats should not be housed together.

What are the important characteristics of hamsters for housing requirements?

Life span: 1.5-2 years.

From desert area of Syria and Turkey, with a dry and hot climate.

Live in extensive and complex burrow structures.

Nocturnal activity pattern.

Hibernate in winter due to low environmental temperatures and food scarcity.

Solitary and territorial.

What are the environmental requirements for hamsters?

Ideal temperature: 19-23 degrees celsius.

A temperature below 10 degrees celsius will induce hibernation.

Temperatures which exceed 30 degrees celsius will cause stiffness, lethargy and immobility, known as Sleepers Disease. If disturbed the hamster will shake its head violently.

What are the space requirements for a hamster enclosure?

Minimum: 80cm (L) c 50cm (D) x 50cm (H).

Height is an important element to allow for climbing behaviour.

What are the main enclosure features for a hamster?

Nesting box with two entrances.

Solid exercise wheel, at least 30cm.

Items to gnaw.

Multiple levels for climbing - have poor depth perception, so avoid big drops.

Deep substrate (40cm) to allow for digging and nesting behaviours.

What are the cage requirements for a hamster?

Wire cage with plastic tray - ensure hamster cannot escape through gaps in wire.

Plastic or glass tank with wire lid and ventilation holes.

Avoid extensive tube systems due to risk of injury and poor ventilation.

What are the exercise requirements for a hamster enclosure?

Exercise balls are not recommended due to potential stress, injury, abnormal locomotion and poor ventilation.

Safe and secure exercise pens can be provided, but use must be supervised.

What substrate should be used for hamsters?

Must be dust-extracted.

Wood-based bedding may cause respiratory illness.

Nesting material also required: kitchen towel, paper, hay or cardboard.

Do not use bedding that can cause impaction or strangulation e.g. synthetic or cotton wool type bedding.

When should hamster enclosures be cleaned?

Full cleans should be completed 1-2 times per month.

With spot cleaning twice a week, including removal of food hoards.

Cleaning can cause stress from removal of scent cues, so old, clean bedding should be returned to enclosure.

What are the social groupings for hamsters?

Syrian and Chinese hamsters are solitary animals, so adults must be housed individually.

Dwarf varieties can be kept in single sex pairs of males or females.

Pairing should be done when they are young.

Pairs should not be separated and reintroduced.

What is the Protection of Animals Act 1911?

Covered domestic and captive animals including farm animals.

The Act made it an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal.

It was an offence to:

* Cruelly beat, kick, ill-treat, over-drive, over-load, torture, infuriate or terrify an animal.
* Cause unnecessary suffering through transportation.
* Take part in the fighting or baiting of an animal.
* Administer poisonous or injurious substances without good reason.
* Permit operations to be carried out without due care and humanity.
* Cause unnecessary suffering to an animal that is being destroyed to provide food for mankind.

For coursing and hunting of a captive animal, it was also an offence to:

* Liberate the animal in an injured, mutilated or exhausted condition.
* Use an enclosed space from which the animal has no reasonable chance of escape.

Most sections of the act have now been repealed and replaced by modern legislation.

What is Companion Animal Welfare?

Significant development of animal-related legislation has taken place in more recent years.

In relation to keeping companion animals for personal use, there are a number of pieces of legislation in place.

This protects animal welfare, public safety and the environment.

Also reduces anti-social and irresponsible behaviour.

What is the Animal Welfare Act 2006?

The CAWC (Companion Animal Welfare Council) worked closely with DEFRA to produce the legislation.

It is the most significant change in the animal welfare legislation in almost a century.

Updating and replacing the Protection of Animals Act 1911.

Aims to promote the welfare of captive vertebrae animals.

What animals does the AWA 2006 not apply to?

Invertebrate species.

Wild animals.

Foetal and embryonic animals.

Animals used in licensed laboratory research.

What is section 3 of the AWA 2006?

Responsibility for animals.

Adults have a legal responsibility for animals in their care on a permanent or temporary basis.

Parent or guardians assume legal responsibility of animals kept by anyone under the age of 16 years.

Under sections 11, it is illegal to sell or transfer (including giving as a prize) an animal to anyone under the age of 16 years.

What is section 4 of the AWA 2006?

Before the AWA, enforcement action could only be taken to protect an animal after it has suffered.

The AWA 2006 enables enforcement action to be taken where an animal is likely to undergo suffering in the future.

What is section 5 of the AWA 2006?

Mutilation.

Procedures that interfere with the sensitive tissue and bone structure of the animal are prohibited e.g. ear cropping.

Although it may be permitted for medical treatment.

Some procedures are listed as exempt for long-term welfare benefits, control of reproduction or identification e.g. dog dew claw removal.

What is section 6 of the AWA 2006?

Docking of dogs’ tails.

Removal of whole or any part of a dogs’ tail is considered an offence.

Illegal to show a dog at an event that the public pay to enter.

Tail docking is still permitted for medical treatment.

Certified working dogs less than 5 days old are exempt.

What is section 9 of the AWA 2006?

Duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare.

Any person responsible for an animal will have a legal duty to care to ensure that its needs are met as required by ‘good practice’ i.e the five animal needs.

What are the five animal needs?

A suitable environment (place to live).

A suitable diet.

Ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns.

To be housed with, or apart from, other animals.

To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease.

What is section 10 of the AWA 2006?

Improvement notices.

Animal welfare inspectors may issue improvement notices if a person is failing to comply with section 9.

The improvement notice specifies the steps to be taken within a specific period of time.

What are the penalties for not complying with the AWA 2006?

Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs may be:

* Banned from owning animals for specified periods of time.
* Can be banned for 12 months or can be a lifetime ban depending on what was broken within the law and how bad.
* Fined up to £20,000.
* Sent to prison (maximum sentence of 5 years).
* The current maximum sentencing term was increased through the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021.
* It was originally a maximum of 6 months.

What is the Control of Dogs Order 1992?

Dog collar requirements.

* All dogs must wear a collar in public places.
* With the owner’s name and address inscribed or attached.
* This does not apply to dogs participating in sport, emergency work or herding livestock and registered guide dogs.
* Dogs without collars and owner details may be treated as stray dogs.

What is the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015?

Microchipping requirements:

* All dogs over the age of 8 weeks must be microchipped.
* Imported dogs must be microchipped within 30 days.
* Details to be recorded on an approved database: keeper’s name, address and telephone number and dog’s name, sex, breed, colour, date of birth and unique microchip number.
* Microchips can only be implanted by a trained professional.
* Owners responsibility to keep all these details up to date.

What is the Road Traffic Act 1988?

Section 27 & 170:

* Dogs must be held on a lead on roads designated by the local authority.
* Drivers who injure a dog must stop and give their name and address, or report the incident to the police within 24 hours.

What is the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Poilicing Act 2014?

Public spaces protection orders (PSPOs).

* Aims to reduce irresponsible dog ownership.
* In public areas with dog related PSPOs, councils may require owners to:
* Keep dogs on a short lead.
* Put dogs on a lead if asked by an officer.
* Stop dogs accessing certain places e.g. children’s play parks.
* Limit the number of dogs walked at any one time.
* Clean up after dogs foul.
* Carry dog poop bags.

What is the Environmental Protection Act 1990?

Section 79: statutory nuisances.

* Noise (e.g. persistent dog barking) from premises or land may be considered a statutory nuisance.
* Takes into consideration volume, duration and time of noise.
* The local council investigate complaints and may issue a warning letter, Noise Abatement Notice or Community Protection Notice.

What is the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953?

Livestock worrying.

* It is an offence for dogs to worry livestock (by attacking, chasing or being out of control) on agricultural land.
* This does not apply to police dogs, guide dogs, sheep dogs, working gun dogs or packs of hounds.
* Farmers are permitted to shoot dogs that are worrying livestock if the dog is not under control.