08 MEETING THE WELFARE NEEDS OF SEIZED DOGS IN A KENNEL ENVIRONMENT
��� THE FIVE WELFARE NEEDS
A DOG'S HEARING
Dogs' hearing has a wider frequency range and is more
sensitive than ours, especially at high frequencies and in
the ultrasonic range. They can hear sounds up to four
times quieter than we can and so noise levels that would
be fine for us might prevent dogs resting or cause them
discomfort or pain.
on his/her hind limbs; and to stretch and lie down in a natural
position without touching another animal or the sides of the
kennel. It must also be large enough to allow dogs to interact,
play, go to the toilet and feed.
c) For all new builds, the minimum kennel size must be at
least 4m2 for dogs under 20kg, and 8m2 for dogs over 20kg.
This should be increased in relation to the size and number
of dogs, so that both the length and width are sufficient
for each and all the dogs to lie outstretched at all angles,
with neither their tail nor snout touching the walls or
another individual. Current constructions should be of
this minimum size.
d) If housing more than one dog in one kennel, the kennel
must be large enough to allow adequate resources to avoid
competition and monopolisation in the kennel e.g. sufficient
beds, toys, etc. for each dog.
For more information about appropriate kennel sizes for bitches
with litters and post-weaned puppies, see Appendix I.
1.4 Lighting
a) As a general rule, the accommodation for kennelled dogs
should give them access to indoor and outdoor areas.
However, if there is no alternative and dogs have to be
kennelled indoors, they should be provided with a light/dark
cycle that corresponds to external day- and night-times; in
addition, natural daylight should be provided where possible.
b) Indoor kennelling should not be seen as a long-term solution
and dogs should be moved to more suitable accommodation
as quickly as possible.
1.5 Temperature
a) Kennels must be insulated to avoid extremes of temperature.
b) At all times there must be some part of the kennel where
the dog can experience temperatures above 10oC (50oF) and
below 26oC (79oF). If necessary, heating and/or automatic
cooling/ventilation must be provided to achieve this.
1.6 Ventilation/humidity
a) Ventilation in the dogs' indoor accommodation must
provide sufficient fresh air of an appropriate quality; this
must keep down the levels and spread of odours, noxious
gases, dust and infectious agents of any kind, and provide
for the removal of excess heat and humidity.
b) The ventilation system should be designed to minimise
harmful draughts and noise disturbance.
1.7 Noise
a) High levels of noise can be stressful to dogs and must be
avoided. Numerous sources can contribute to the noise
within a kennel establishment, including other dogs.
Measures to mitigate noise must be explored and where,
possible implemented, for example, changing metal buckets
and bowls to plastic can significantly reduce noise levels
(see sections 1.2c and 5.3e for information on how to
minimise the disturbance of other dogs).