b) If there is a lot of ambient noise then buildings or kennels
should be sound insulated. If there are likely to be high levels
of internal noise, sound-absorbent materials should be
incorporated into the kennel design.
c) Housing should be designed to avoid prolonged, loud or high
frequency noises, such as those generated by audio-visual
equipment, certain kinds of industrial machinery, and metal gates.
d) Soothing background music, e.g. classical music, can be
beneficial (see Appendix III) and may be provided*, but loud
music may be stressful and should be avoided.
1.8 Access to an outdoor area for exercise
and interaction
a) All adult dogs and puppies over six weeks of age must have
daily access to outdoor safe and secure areas, away from
the kennel area and this should be for at least 30 minutes
per day, whether this is lead exercise and/or in an exercise
run and unless a vet indicates otherwise. This should be
in addition to opportunities for toileting. Consideration
should be given to the siting of the outdoor enclosure to
ensure it is in a suitable position.
b) The presence of trained and competent staff and other
dogs will encourage dogs to explore their surroundings,
interact and play. Providing it is safe to do so, appropriate for
the individual dog and individual circumstances, trained and
MEETING THE WELFARE NEEDS OF SEIZED DOGS IN A KENNEL ENVIRONMENT 09
��� ENVIRONMENT
* The playing of copyright music or sound recordings, including playing the radio, in areas to which the public has access typically requires licences to be purchased from both of the
following bodies: the Performing Rights Society (PRS) in respect of copyright in the lyrics and composition; and the Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) in respect of copyright
in the sound recording and performance.
competent staff and other dogs should be present when
dogs have access to an outdoor area.
c) Equipment such as tunnels, platforms and toys (see Appendix II)
should be provided as they encourage activity and
exploration of the outdoor area.
d) Outdoor areas where animals exercise and interact cannot
have strict temperature regulation. Dogs must not be
restricted to such areas when climatic conditions may cause
them distress. They must have constant access to fresh clean
water, shade and shelter so they can avoid rain, wind,
snow, ice or direct sunlight, etc.
e) When dogs are housed outdoors, there must always be a
cool shaded area available to them. They must also have
constant access to fresh clean water.
1.9 Transport
When transporting animals, there is a general duty of care to
protect them from injury or unnecessary suffering and to ensure
they are transported in suitable containers.
a) Dogs must not be left unattended in a vehicle where the
temperature may pose a risk to them. It is also important
to ensure that any vehicle used for transportation has the
correct ventilation and temperature control so that the
dog remains comfortable during the journey whatever the
outside temperature.
Andrew Forsyth & Angela Hampton/RSPCA Photolibrary