Dog Parks Become a Permanent Feature of the American Landscape

Interstate 40 Rest Stop Rules

In 2011, Fran Breitkopf and I drafted model dog park code provisions and rules for an article that was posted on the website of the Animal Legal & Historical Center of Michigan State University�s College of Law.  The article proved useful to the creators of a number of parks, but we became increasingly nervous about not updating it to take into account legal and social developments in the last five years.  We have now revised the article to take into account developments into 2016 .

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of new parks have been created since our article was first posted and we expected that legal developments, both legislative and judicial, would mean the original article was seriously out of date.  To our surprise and admittedly our relief, the number of legal developments we needed to incorporate in our discussion was less than we had anticipated. 

Most recent disputes we found in searching Westlaw and Lexis-Nexis have been about creating parks, particularly situations where one group of citizens opposed a municipality granting another group of citizens the right to establish a park on a particular site, which the first group of citizens found offensive because of noise, potential pollution from dog waste, proximity to a school or medical facility, or merely because a dog park would be of no interest to the majority of the inhabitants of a community.  Most of these lawsuits failed to stop the creation of a dog park for the simple reason that too many people saw the need for one and citizen groups were often willing to take on sanitation and other responsibilities to assure the success of the park. 

Lawsuits in tort because of injuries from poor design proved to be rare, as were conflicts between users that lasted long enough or became serious enough to result in litigation.  Dog bites happen but, since many users take their dogs to the parks in order to provide socialization for their animals, the number of serious bites�again, reaching reported litigation�has been fairly low.  Users of dog parks are often successful in shaming those who do not know how to control their animals into keeping them away from the park. (It would be an interesting sociological study to analyze whether dog park users are more likely to train their dogs than dog owners generally.) 

Selling Fence Space for Advertising Can Be a Source of Funds

Obtaining adequate police and animal control coverage for dog parks continues to be a problem for some communities, and may indicate that some states should take a closer look at whether enforcement authority over dog parks is clearly assigned to state or municipal police or to a county sheriff's department. Related to this are situations where animal control authorities have declined to respond to incidents, perhaps because of some doubt as to their enforcement authority inside of dog parks. Here also, however, few such problems have come to our attention.

In other words, dog parks are working, and we believe that society is increasingly recognizing their usefulness, just as other public places, like graveyards, flower gardens, monuments, town squares, playgrounds, and recreational areas have been part of our landscape since the settling of North America. We believe this trend will continue.

We received the help of many parks and citizen groups around the country in writing the piece for the Animal Legal & Historical Center, many of which are referred to in the footnotes to the article. We invite readers who become aware of developments they believe should be included in our discussion to email us. Thanks again to everyone who has helped with this project and good luck to those who are attempting to build new parks in their communities. 

The Launch Of The SHAK Club Sponsorship Scheme.....

SHAK CLUB SPONSORSHIP - OUR DOGS NEED YOU.....

The start of 2016 has been the toughest year yet in the 10 years that SHAK has been operating. Tough in every aspect, but two in particular have had a serious effect on our work.

 The volume of stray and unwanted pets in the UK seems to be at a record high, with rescues saturated everywhere, and at every level. The rehoming centres are full, the breed specific rescues are full, and the specialist rescues like ourselves are above and beyond capacity. Like us, many I�m sure have endless lists of lost and unwanted souls just waiting for a space. We receive requests every day, but with our resources always stretched to almost breaking point, we�ve had to say no to so many.....

The reason for SHAK existing is to help the dogs that really need it the most. To provide sanctuary and a safe haven for those dogs that have nowhere else, to give them somewhere to work through their issues, to give them somewhere to call home..... even if that means for the rest of their lives.
With over 70 dogs now in our care, we are struggling to save more. We have to protect the ones that we have, but by saying no we are consigning many others to death. In today�s world that is the stark reality.

On average at any kennels you�d expect to pay at least �5 per day to keep a rescue dog safe. That equates to �35 per week, or �140 per month for every single dog we have. Even in our most quiet spells we operate with at least 50 dogs in our care at one time. That�s 50 x �140 which comes to an enormous �7,000 per month.

YOU CAN HELP.....  Saving the lives of these dogs is paramount to us, we have to continue to be able to provide them with somewhere safe to go. If you were to donate just �5 a week a dog would be guaranteed a bed and food for a day. If 6 other people did likewise then that would be a kennel secured for a dog for a week.It soon adds up, that �5 per week, every week, would mean a dog would be looked after for a whole month for just �20 or �260 would look after that dog for the full year!

So we are asking you to help us continue our work, asking for your help us to safeguard these dogs that have already suffered so much. If you can afford to donate �20 per month or if your business can afford a one off sponsorship donation of �260 for a full years support, it would mean so much not only to us, but to the dogs themselves.

Please print off the standing order form below and send it to your bank. If you are a business we can show our gratitude by adding you to our list of sponsors on our SHAK Club Sponsorship page on our website. Your name and logo will also be added to all the SHAK Club correspondence and be displayed on the walls of our head office in Alnwick for everyone that attends our regular talks and seminars to see. Whilst providing you with recognition of your support and generosity, such promotion will also act as a small token to show our appreciation.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this post. Working together you really can help us make a difference to the lives of the dogs that have been let down so badly by humans already. We are their only chance, and their only hope. By helping us you really can be the deciding factor between life and death.....

SHAK. Greenwell Road, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 1HB.

Registered Charity Number:1125159

The Difference In Moby.....

You may remember a little while ago I released a series of prints, SHAK dogs captured in a moment in time with some special words alongside them.....

Moby was one of the dogs featured, and the words I wrote for him seem even more poignant now.....

The picture below I received last night, Moby in a new environment, and settled in a new home!

You can buy Moby's print and the rest of the set at :  http://www.shakshop.co.uk/The_Bars_That_Bind/p168627_14623427.aspx

It's Not Too Late To Book Your Place.....

I believe there are still a few places left on the course at HQ tomorrow. It's not too late to book your spot or you can pay on the door.....

Infection Management With Natures Remedies.....14th April 6pm.....Course Fee �25

Helping animals to manage infection with natures remedies. We know that nature is full of potential remedies for a whole host of ailments, and many essential oils and herbs can be useful in preventing, managing and sometimes destroying infection caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses. In this 3 hour intensive course we will look at how animals can use a range of remedies to help in managing a range of infectious conditions. The method we will specifically be looking at is Applied Zoopharmacognosy, so you will learn much about this behavioural science in using nature�s remedies, as well as the specific remedies which can be so useful here.

You will be given a pack of potential remedies to take away and use at home with your own animals too.

This course has been designed and will be presented by a qualified Zoopharmacognosist who also happens to be a Registered Nurse.

If you wish to gain further information AND TO BOOK YOUR PLACE please email Leigh Smyth on leigh@animalhealthefe.com/ see her web site www.animalhealthefe.com

http://www.animalhealthefe.com/store/products/master-class-in-infection-management-for-animals/

Doors open from 5.45pm tomorrow at SHAK HQ Greenwell Road, Alnwick NE66 1HB

A Year On For Lewis.....

I can't believe that today marks a year since we had to say goodbye to a dog that really summed up what SHAK is about, and from a personal level a dog that really did test me. His story is below, you can read it for yourself and join the dots, but one thing is for sure..... I will never ever forget him.....

A really sad time today as we had to say goodbye to a dog that was such a big part of this charity and our day to day life. Despite being full of life and playing with his boomer ball yesterday, cancer won it's fight against the very brave Lewis this morning.

Lewis was an enigma, a one off and also my nemesis.  The only dog whose trust I never completely gained, but then his past was so bad that he didn't trust anyone. We worked around that though, and whilst my body carries some scars as a reminder of his fear, I'd like to think that by the end we had a mutual respect.

This morning was very difficult, days like today are never easy, and with Lewis's history it made it even more so. But I have to say my team where incredible despite their hearts being visibly ripped in two. Nobody panicked, nobody lost the plot, everybody stayed focused on what we needed to do for the best for Lewis.  For that both me and him will be eternally grateful.

Lewis as I have said left permanent reminders on my body that now serve like tattoos regarding someone that was close and lost. That's how I like to think of them anyway. In reality they are marks from a dog that was so badly damaged by humans he shut himself off to everyone apart from his cuddly toys and his boomer ball. He warmed to us over the years, and I'd like to think that he trusted us even if just a little by the end. One thing is we didn't give up on him and take the easy option..... that is something I am very proud of.

I remember the first time that I suffered at the hands of his fear, as I drove myself to casualty a Biffy Clyro song came on  the cd. The words were perfect for that moment..... perfect for what had just happened and how our relationship now was.....

"You say "I love you, boy"

I know you lie

I trust you all the same

I don't know why

'Cause when my back is turned

My bruises shine

Our broken fairytale

So hard to hide

I still believe it's you and me 'til the end of time

When we collide we come together

If we don't we'll always be apart

I'll take a bruise; I know you're worth it

When you hit me hit me hard."

All the bruises were certainly worth it, and I guess today was the end of time. And we were together.

I will miss you Lewis.  We will all miss you. I hope now you know how much we loved you.

4 mins 43 seconds of wall-to-wall wrong

Source

This is just so awful in so many ways that I ended up laughing.

(And it also made me feel very, very old.)

BREAKING NEWS: Norwegian KC admits "we went too far" and pledges to revolutionise 'brachy' health

In an extremely strong statement regarding brachycephalic health, the Norwegian Kennel Club (NKK) has today admitted that the breeding of short-faced breeds has gone "too far" and has pledged to reverse the damage.

In response to what it refers to as  the "well-documented" health problems associated with a short nose, the NKK has committed to exploring/initiating the following measures for Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs and other brachy breeds:

• outcross projects designed to improve anatomy of the most extreme breeds without compromising genetic diversity

• a further "extensive" revision of breed standards to remove clauses which predispose for health problems/reduced functionality - to include those breeds that are edging towards being brachycephalic

• a pre-breeding endurance test for brachycephalics (treadmill and heart-monitor).

• registration of puppies dependent on a statement that neither parent has undergone airway surgery

• profile photographs of all dogs being shown in order to monitor trends.

The NKK has also determined to ensure the issue is discussed at FCI level and says it may contact the UK Kennel Club direct as the KC is the country of origin for several brachycephalic breeds (including, of course, the Bulldog).

It is a very happy day here at the PDE Blog and I want to say a big fat "well done" to the Norwegian Kennel Club for this brave and far-reaching statement - especially coming so soon after the ill-tempered denial from the Australian Kennel Club about the extent of the suffering in brachycephalics. (See here.)

There also needs to be a big well-done to all those who have worked so hard to secure change for brachycephalic breeds - including researchers, dog-welfare campaigners and those vets who have been brave enough to stand up and say enough is enough. Very significantly last year, over 1000 veterinary professionals in Sweden signed an open letter demanding change - something that has triggered a lot of discussion and a brachycephalic conference hosted by the Swedish Kennel Club a few weeks ago.

I'm delighted, too, to see the recognition that teeth/oral health is an important issue for brachycephalics. The PDE blog has taken a lead on documenting this oft-overlooked issue, largely thanks to the campaigning work done by Canadian veterinary dentist Dr Fraser Hale - see here and here.)

Pug skull  � Gina Gray

The NKK statement in full (available online here):

From veterinarians, concerns are frequently raised regarding suffering and reduced functionality among the brachycephalic breeds. The fact that a shortened nose creates a predisposition from problems are by now well documented.

The Norwegian Kennel Club has for a significant time focused on the problems regarding respiratory issues and problems with temperature regulation for the brachycephalic breeds.

The Norwegian Kennel Club�s work has so far consisted of the following:

• Spreading information and raising awareness among owners, breeders, breed clubs
• BSI (Breed Specific Instructions regarding exaggerations in pedigree dogs) � this includes both providing general information to judges as well as incorporating BSI as a part of the education of judges), to prevent exaggerated dogs being awarded
• Breed standards have, in general, been modernized in recent years. However, there are still descriptions in several standards that will make dogs predisposed for reduced functionality and health problems
• In 2015, the NKK sent a letter to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, encouraging them to make registration of surgery to improve respiratory function for brachycephalic breeds mandatory. The Norwegian Kennel Club offered to manage the register of dogs having undergone this type of surgery. The Norwegian Kennel Club has no information of which dogs, or how many dogs, are currently being operated on. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority declined the suggestion to register these operations.
• The Norwegian Kennel Club is currently part of a working group for dog welfare, with several other animal welfare groups in Norway. This group has worked extensively over the past six months on concrete suggestion to improve the health for these breeds
• The Norwegian Kennel Club wants to establish an endurance test for the brachycephalic breeds � this work is well underway 

Recently, the Norwegian Kennel Club board voted unanimously to intensify the work to improve the health for the brachycephalic breeds. The intensified efforts will begin this spring, and will include the following:

• The Norwegian Kennel Club will raise the issue during the Nordic Kennel Union meeting in April 2016
• The FCI will be contacted to ensure dialogue with the countries responsible for the breeds in questions. The Kennel Club may also be contacted directly regarding this matter, as they are responsible for several of the brachycephalic breeds. The dialogue with the various countries will include:
• Outcross projects, with the intent of improving the anatomy of the exposed breeds, without reducing the genepool
• Extensive revision of the breed standards with descriptions predisposing for health problems/reduced functionality
• Revision of breed standards for breeds where even shorter noses are likely, or who are close to being at risk (nose/skull=1:2)
• The Norwegian Kennel Club will establish a voluntary register where owners can report that their dog has been operated for respiratory problems. This will be registered in DogWeb, the Norwegian Kennel Club health database, open to the public. Letters with information regarding surgery may also be sent to breed clubs and breeders
• Statements from the owner(s) of parents that these dogs have not undergone surgery for for respiratory issues will be registered when the litter is registered 
• Profile photos of all dogs being shown at dog shows will be taken and registered.

Dedicated breed club

The Norwegian Bulldog Club has already done solid work to improve the health for their breeds, and have, in their Breed Specific Strategy, begun work to develop an endurance test.

This test is a tool to measure whether the dog has problems breathing and/or regulating temperature during activity, so that the healthiest individuals may be selected for breeding. Endurance testing has also been attempted by other clubs, but the Norwegian Kennel Club now wants to improve this test by using treadmills and measuring heart rate to establish a more standardized test. The treadmill is ready, as is the customized heart rate measurers, and the testing of the equipment will begin already this week. Shortly, the Norwegian Kennel Club and the Norwegian Bulldog Club will being the actual testing of dogs.

We hope that this test will provide an objective and scientific measurement of health, and therefore suitability for breeding. Hopefully, this will become one of several tools in the ongoing work to reduce the problems and suffering for brachycephalic breeds through selective breeding. We are aware that the short-nosed breeds also have other significant health issues as a result of anatomy, particularly with eyes and teeth. We believe that the improvement in anatomy as a result of the measures now being taken will also help in these areas, and this will be considered part of the evaluation process for all initiatives.

Key focus area 

There is no doubt that several short snout breeds have major challenges when it comes to health, and that the challenges in this area is not consistent with good dog welfare. This is an important health issue we are going to sharpen the focus on in the future. The development of certain breeds should not have gone so far. Nevertheless, this very unfortunate development has occurred, and measures must therefore now be reinforced. It goes without saying that NKK should lead the way in this effort, and we have great expectations that our work will give good results, says CEO Ms. Trine Hage.