INTRODUCTION
Dog welfare in a kennel environment
Every year thousands of dogs are seized by enforcement bodies under the Environmental Protection Act 1990,
the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Following seizure, many of the dogs will spend
a period of time in a kennel environment.
Research using dogs kennelled for a variety of reasons has shown
that many find kennel life challenging and experience poor or
compromised welfare as a result1. Studies have also shown that
there are specific aspects within the kennel environment that, if
inadequate or inappropriate, make it difficult for dogs to cope. For
example, small kennel sizes and restricted exercise may influence
dogs' behaviour patterns and can limit their ability to explore and
investigate, while limited contact with people and other dogs can
impact upon social interactions2. Based on these findings, it is likely
that dogs seized and kennelled by enforcement bodies, even for
short periods of time, may find it difficult to cope with kennel life
and, for some, this means that their welfare will be compromised.
In addition, research using working dogs has found that for those
neither bred nor raised in kennels the transition is especially
stressful1. It is probable that many of the pet dogs seized by
enforcement bodies will have had limited experience of a kennel
environment and so may find the transition particularly stressful.
Existing legislation relating to kennelled dogs, e.g. Animal Boarding
Establishments Act 1963, tends to be very focused on the physical
environment in which the dog is kept. However, studies have
shown that husbandry regimes and, in particular, the level of
contact with people may be as important, if not more so, than
the physical kennel environment for the welfare of dogs kennelled
MEETING THE WELFARE NEEDS OF SEIZED DOGS IN A KENNEL ENVIRONMENT 03
��� INRODUCTION
��� INTRODUCTION
Andrew Forsyth/RSPCA Photolibrary
for various reasons3, 4. It is reasonable to assume that some (but
not all) dogs seized by enforcement bodies, e.g. strays, cruelty
cases and some prohibited or dangerous dogs, were household
pets and may have spent a lot of time in contact with people or
other animals. Once within the kennel environment, this level of
contact is not always possible, and this can be stressful for the
dog. It is therefore important (and a legal requirement) that seizing
authorities and kennels do all they can to provide not only for the
dog's environmental needs but also for those that relate to diet,
behaviour, company and health.
Ensuring the welfare of seized dogs in a kennel environment not
only benefits the individual dogs and kennel staff, but can also,
potentially, save money as less is spent on veterinary treatment,
etc. Good welfare can make good business sense.
This guidance has therefore been written to help kennels and seizing
bodies provide for dogs' welfare needs and to assist in the care
and management of all seized dogs whether long- or short-term.
While we recognise some of the guidance may be more difficult to
implement in certain areas or under certain conditions, all kennels
and contracting bodies should ensure they meet the minimum
legal requirements and aim to improve their standards in line with
this guidance.