Woking Borough Council

Summer 2009

Features

It's a dog's life

We are lucky enough to live in a borough which has plenty of green spaces, offering dog owners and their pets many opportunities to get out and about and enjoy the parks, heathland, woodland and waterways. But owning a dog is not all fun and games. In this article, Woking Borough Council's dog warden, Neville Cast, talks about the importance of being a responsible dog owner.

Dogs offer uncompromising loyalty and affection, providing security and comfort to many people. However, they do have the potential to be a source of nuisance, disease and can cause accidents and injury.

"Owning a dog is a long-term commitment. They make enjoyable and affectionate pets and very quickly build up a strong bond with their owners," says Neville, "but it is important that owners of dogs understand and appreciate their responsibilities."

"The Council firmly believes in promoting responsible dog ownership, be it by way of advice, education or in the last resort, enforcement. Being a responsible dog owner is about understanding your dog's needs and your responsibilities to the wider community," Neville continues.

"There a few simple rules owners should follow to help them become a responsible dog owner. Owners should pick up their dog's mess and dispose of it safely, walk their dog daily and avoid leaving their dog on its own for more than four hours at a time."

Barry Caveney of Mount Hermon, recently made the long-term commitment to become a dog owner: "I'd considered owning a dog for quite a while, but as I worked full-time, I didn't think it was fair. When my job changed to allow me to work from home, I decided to go for it!"

In a recent survey carried in Woking, 66% of people said they felt dog mess was a problem in certain areas of the Borough. Neville explains: "It is a small minority of dog owners who get the rest of us a bad name. Dog mess is unpleasant to those who step in it, sit by it or see their local green spaces ruined by others' laziness, not to mention the health hazards associated with it."

Local dog owner Barry adds: "It's not a nice job, but it's something that has to be done. It's never nice stepping in dog mess and that's why I always carry plastic bags whenever I am out on a walk."

Finally, Neville has this to say: "Being responsible for an animal's life is not to be taken lightly. If you give them the love, care and attention needed, they will give that back ten-fold."

If you would like to know more about how to be a responsible dog owner, visit www.woking.gov.uk and search for `responsible dog ownership'. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to Neville, please call Woking Borough Council in 01483 755855.

Neville's top tips to being a responsible dog owner

  1. Always clean up your dogs' mess and dispose of it responsibly.

  2. Dogs are sociable animals so avoid leaving them alone for more than four hours at a time.

  3. Walk your dog daily - regular exercise will help it to feel contented.

  4. Train your dog in elementary obedience.

  5. Keep your dog on a lead anywhere near a road, or where there are other animals.

  6. Register your dog with a vet and pay regular attention to your pet's general state of health.

  7. Provide your dog with its own bed.

Free dog care advice

Look out for the PDSA PetCheck mobile vehicle this September! PDSA, the UK's leading veterinary charity, will be visiting parks across the Borough with their mobile pet advice vehicle.

On-board veterinary nurses will provide FREE pet checks to dogs and offer advice on the care of other popular pets, covering diet and nutrition, including body shape awareness, dental care, coat condition and general fitness.

Roadshow dates will be between 9 and 13 September - full details to be confirmed closer to the time.