New Legal Powers To Think About As A Dog Owner

It would be easy to write about Christmas this month. Tell you not to feed your dog chocolate or mince pies and keep them away from that toxic mistletoe and poinsettia. However, there will be many repeating this important but well-worn message. However, during late 2014 some new powers and laws applying to dogs and their owners have been introduced or extended with some hard hitting consequences for dogs and owners which I thought would be important to discuss regardless of the season.

Control – It is now against the law for your dog to be out of control not only in a public place but also in a private place and your own home. This can mean some of the consequences I will explain later can apply if something happens not only when you are out walking your dog but also if someone is delivering to your house or visiting as a sales person or a guest.

What is out of control? – A dog could be deemed out of control if it does actually injure someone or someone else’s dog. Makes sense. However, a dog could also be deemed out of control if it behaves in a way that could reasonably lead someone to think that it could injure them or their pet!

Consequences – Police or local authorities can now insist that owners take preventative action to avoid an attack or what is deemed as out of control behaviour perceived or actual. If you fail to do so they now have a number of powers ranging from dog control orders, to fines of up to £20,000 and in extreme cases to prosecution and jail terms.

This is not to say that the police or local authorities are not using powers sensibly and in a measured way and depending on risk and severity of behaviour request owners do other constructive things as part of control orders to ensure harmony between pet owners and non-pet owners, like attending training classes; muzzling and putting a dog on a lead in a public place; having a dog castrated or fixing fences or boundaries that have allowed the pet out of the owners control.

If the worst happens though in those serious cases, extended jail sentences can now be enforced with up to 14yrs for a fatal dog attack, 5yrs for an injury and even 3yrs for an injury of an assistance dog.

We at Calagran Four Paws Hotel opened for residents staying with us a new two acre secure off leash paddock. However, on request we now also open these to the public to hire for individuals or groups to use and feel secure that their pet is safe at play with no incidents or misunderstandings. If anyone is interested in the facility or to know more about the new laws they can contact us.

Enough seriousness now, so may we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Be safe!

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Terms and Conditions

All animals must be fully vaccinated and a current veterinary certificate must be produced at the time of boarding and may be retained on site during the boarding period. Effective treatment against worms and fleas must also have been given prior to the commencement of boarding.

Vaccinations for Dogs – Dogs must be fully vaccinated within the last 12 months against:
a. Distemper
b. Hepatitis
c. Leptospirosis
d. Parvovirus
e. Para-influenza and must have had a booster injection within the previous year.
f. Kennel cough – optional - kennel cough vaccines must be given a minimum of 14 days prior to your pets stay as this is a live vaccine.

If a dog has been given its primary vaccination course, or if they have had to restart their vaccines due to a gap in the vaccine history, the vaccine course must have been completed a minimum of 14 days prior to the check-in date. This does not apply to booster vaccinations. For ANY kennel cough vaccine - either initial, restart or booster, this must have been given a minimum of 14 days before your dogs stay, as this is a live vaccine.
If the relevant amount of time has not elapsed or if your dogs vaccinations have expired at the time of boarding, or proof of vaccinations are not produced the dog(s) cannot board at our facility and 100% of the paid fees will be forfeited. It is the owners responsibility to ensure their dogs vaccines are in date and given within the correct timeframes of their dogs stay, and that this can be evidenced.

Veterinary treatment will be arranged with a local veterinary surgeon if deemed necessary for any condition occurring during the stay. However, any recurrence of a known condition will NOT be covered by our own insurance and all owners will be expected to settle their own accounts in full.

Only dogs from the same household may share boarding accommodation.

Charges are per day including arrival and departure days. If a pet is collected before 10am on the departure day there will be no charge for this day. If an owner is late in collecting their pet and arrives after 10am this charge will be added to your dogs stay.

Cancellation fees will be at the proprietor’s discretion. Deposits are not refundable.

Whilst all reasonable care and attention is given to every animal boarded, the animal is boarded entirely at the owner’s risk.

By signing the contract and leaving the animal at these kennels, the owner certifies to the accuracy of all information given about that animal(s) stated on this contract and consents to the conditions set out.

In the event of an animal not being collected or boarding fees not being paid, the proprietor may dispose of the animal concerned after giving 14 days’ notice to the owner, or their representative at their last known address

Everything your dog requires for his/her stay is provided. However, bringing your pet’s favourite toys and blanket may help it settle in, particularly if it is their first stay with us. We do not accept any responsibility for their condition or safe return

We do not give credit for early returns; you must pay for the period booked.

We require a 50% non refundable deposit for all stays between the beginning of June and the end of September, along with the Christmas period. All other stays will require a 25% deposit. During our peak times we operate a 4 day minimum booking policy. For any bookings made under 4 days a premium will be charged.

For bookings which are made 7 days or less before the check in date, payment must be made in full at the point of booking to secure your dogs stay. If payment is not received the booking will be cancelled.

We are open for collection and drop offs between 10am and 12pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. We are closed ALL DAY on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and therefore animals cannot arrive or depart on these days.

We reserve the right to cancel a booking or refuse boarding if we feel there is a risk to our staff or other customers. Our staff will not tolerate abuse, and reserve the right to refuse service to customers.

If your dog has a pre-existing medical condition we reserve the right to request a statement of fitness letter from your vet.

By proceeding with your booking you are confirming you accept the above terms and conditions.