DOG EMERGENCIES

Trevor Turner, B. Vet. Med., MRCVS

"DANGEROUS DOGS"

Dangerous dogs are well covered with much publicised legislation. However although Section 1 of the 1991 Act applies specifically to American Pit Bull Terriers, do not forget that the pet dog who takes a dislike to a person or another dog in the street can also be in trouble under Section 3 of the same Act. Your dog must always be under proper control otherwise you could be at the centre of a real emergency.

The Dangerous Dogs’ Act of 1991 is not the only piece of legislation under which prosecution may ensue. The Dogs’ Act of 1871 still has a very useful place and dog-law-oriented legal advisers will often strenuously negotiate with the prosecuting authority - usually the police and sometimes the local authority - to ensure if any prosecution does ensue, it is under the 1871 Act since this allows for more room to manoeuvre on the part of the Bench. The prosecution becomes a civil proceeding although heard before a Magistrates’ Court rather than criminal proceedings as is invariable with the Dangerous Dogs’ Act (1991)

The disadvantage of civil proceedings under the 1871 Act is that in England you do not qualify for legal aid and should you be found guilty in Court you could face heavy costs including those of the other side. Thus, if you have any problem whatsoever you do need legal advice and need it urgently.

From the foregoing it is obvious that how the matter proceeds depends very much upon which category of the legislation is invoked.

DAMAGE

Damage by dogs can range from torn clothing and a claim for compensation to physical injury from biting.

Dogs on roads can do an immense amount of damage to the vehicle as well as themselves and this can result in significant claims via the car’s insurers against the owner of the dog.

HOW MANY DOGS CAN WE KEEP?

BEWARE OF THE DOG"
"LOOSE DOGS WITHIN"
"GUARD DOG"

We have all seen these signs and many of us display them. Trevor gently pointed out that such warning signs can be taken to infer that you know your dog is dangerous.

Having been involved with dangerous dogs’ legislation for years I must admit this was one aspect that I had only recently come to consider.

You guessed it, it was as a result of a case in which I was expert for the defence. The so-called dangerous dog whose owner was displaying such a sign - Beware of the Dog.

The prosecution insisted the owner was aware of the dog’s potential to be dangerous otherwise there was no need for the notice. The incident occurred in the owner’s garden and involved a neighbour’s relative who was there by invitation!

Ownership disputes are always a problem and are becoming more common due to marriage or partnership splits. Each party wants the dog. Trevor illustrated this with an example of one case many years ago which involved a couple who separated but had seven dogs. Each kept three. Ownership of the seventh dog could not be agreed so he was taken to the vet to be put to sleep. The vet could not bear to do this so ultimately kept the dog himself.

BUYING AND BREEDING CONTRACTS

Buying and breeding contracts are probably the most difficult matters to settle amicably. The saga of bitches on breeding terms raises its head every so often as does the situation where a dog has been bought for breeding or showing and does not come up to standard.

Who is liable?

The air becomes thick with claims for compensation.

VETERINARY NEGLIGENCE

Complaints against vets seem to be hitting the headlines ever more frequently. Trevor pointed out that with the increase in technology comes an increase in costs and sometimes despite every effort the vet does not succeed in his objective of making the dog better. The owner feels aggrieved and so an unhappy situation just gets worse.

Writs start to fly and in simple terms judgement is based on whether the standard achieved is that which would be customarily expected from an ordinarily competent veterinary surgeon. In some cases this can be the battle of the experts on each side involved in incredibly complicated argument.

DOG FIRST AID

The second part of the lecture was given by Sylvia Wilson, a veterinary surgeon.

She briefly explained more common emergency situations, stressing that the most important point was immediate help for the animal, removal from danger, prevention of further damage, protection of any personnel including members of the public who may be endeavouring to assist and obtaining professional treatment as soon as possible. While awaiting veterinary attention the dog had to be comforted as much as practicable.

Sylvia emphasised the value of a basic first aid kit. Most kennels, whether breeding or boarding, will probably have a kit with considerably more than the basic essentials. However, many pet owners may not have realised just how helpful such a kit may be in an emergency situation.

It was suggested that perhaps it should be part of the duty of care to purchasers of puppies to recommend basic emergency first aid kits. These are now available and one is available from the Kennel Club. Essential items are clean cotton fabric, gloves, bandages, disinfectant wipes, a bottle of eye wash, thermometer, nail clippers, tweezers, oral rehydration solution, blanket, lead and, most important, contact telephone numbers for the vet and a local transport service if you do not have a car available

Sylvia then went on to explain how to cope with the collapsed dog, checking airway, breathing and circulation. She went on to fits, emphasising the dog should be left alone in a quiet darkened room if at all possible until the seizure had ceased, then the vet should be contacted. In most cases, although they seem to be going on for ever at the time, most fits last less than a minute or so. If the dog is continuously convulsing for more than three or four minutes the vet should be contacted for advice, otherwise wait until recovery of consciousness and then ring the vet.

Advice was given on how to handle injured animals with special reference to avoiding personal injury. A tie or even a pair of tights can easily be fashioned into a makeshift muzzle to put round the jaws of most dogs. Remember a dog in pain may act quite uncharacteristically and may not really know what is happening. Owners can get bitten as easily as any stranger. Take care!

Thus in dealing with an injured animal you should primarily protect yourself as much as possible. Try to limit further damage as far as the patient is concerned but try not to do too much. Seek professional help as soon as possible.

Finally the A, B, C of First Aid - a simple thing to remember but often life saving.

A is for Airway - check that it is not obstructed with a ball or saliva, vomit etc.

B is for Breathing - is the patient breathing? Is artificial respiration necessary? It may be simply given by gently pressing the chest.

C is for Cardiac (heart) function - is the heart beating? Is there any bleeding? Can this be stopped with pressure with a makeshift bandage?

The lecture was presented by
Silver Training Ltd.
01304 812 610 or 01531 822 257