THE DEATH OR ESCAPE OF A DOG

This policy is informed by the Animal Welfare Act (2006)


Every effort is made to ensure that the property is secure, and dogs cannot escape.
All boarding dogs must wear a collar at all times. The Dog B&B will attach to the
collar a tag with the premises name, address, phone number and name of licensee.
All windows are fitted with window restrictors to prevent dogs from escaping or kept
locked (to prevent accidental opening).


In the unlikely event that a dog does escape the following procedure will be followed:

  1.  All available staff will make an immediate search of The Dog B&B premises
    and grounds.
  2. The Dog Warden Service will be contacted to see if the dog has been handed
    in and details of the dog left with them to make contact if the dog is found.
  3. The local RSPCA will be contacted to see if the dog has been handed in and
    details of the dog left with them to make contact if the dog is found.
  4. Local vets will also be contacted to see if a dog has come to their attention.
  5. The owner and local emergency contact will be contacted and kept informed
    of the situation, if possible, the home address will be checked by the
    emergency contact, or member of staff, in case the dog has returned home.
  6. Posters will be placed, and local streets searched.
  7. Social media posts will be utilised asked local residents etc to share a
    photograph of the dog and report and sightings to The Dog B&B.
  8. A thorough investigation will be undertaken into the circumstances of the
    escape and procedures implemented to prevent a similar occurrence. The
    Incident Investigation Form will be completed.

 

Death of a Dog

In the unlikely event of a death of a dog the following procedures will be followed.

1. After checking the animal’s vital signs take photographs of how the animal
was found as evidence for the vet to support an autopsy if required. The dog
will be removed from the house and taken to the dog’s registered vet.
2. The Vet will be asked to determine the cause of death.
3. The owner and/or emergency contact will be contacted at the earliest
opportunity to inform them of the death.
4. The dog’s body will be stored at the Vets until the owner is able to collect the
body, or gives instructions for the dog’s disposal.
5. An Incident Investigation form will be completed.