HELP DIGBYS PAW TO CHANGE THE LAW �

REGULATE DOG WALKING BUSINESSES �

Our Story � 

June 7th 2022 just a few weeks ago turned into one of the worst days for our family.
Our beautiful little baby boy Digby our 8 month old Cockapoo puppy unfortunately lost his life. Due to the incompetence of a new Dog Walker we had. We needed help just 2 days a week as worked longer on those days & someone always home the others.
Accidents happen however this was no accident just sheer neglect. 
It was only the second time had looked after him with our other dog so had only met him for 1 hour before that. 
This incident happened by the Dog Walker taking him to an area should not of been at and negligently letting our 2 dogs & a group of other dogs loose to all run into the road. Causing an RTC & Digby was killed � 
This was a very unsafe area with a busy main road all around it including a petrol station & 2 supermarkets. 
It was then left to the driver who was In shock & witnesses to help our Boy & he was taken to a near by vets but unfortunately could not be saved. The dog Walker left no details for him or ours so the only way the vets could make contact with us was via his microchip & collar tag. The dog Walker still had his lead that was wrapped around her neck with all the other dogs leads. Thankfully after some time all of the other dogs including our other one were taken out of the road before another one was hurt. 
To this day the dog Walker who we only had chance to meet once believes had no wrong doing & everyone else was to blame including us as owners the dogs & the driver & witnesses. She had a duty of care & failed this. We were left to clear the vets bill as would not hand over her insurance & left broken hearted as we still are. 
Digby did not need to Die or get hurt this only happened through negligence & caused unnecessary pain & suffering, it should NOT of happened. He had his whole life ahead of him & never even got to have 1 summer � 
We went to work that day believing our dogs were with a trust worthy business to give extra exercise in the day time. We unfortunately were very unlucky & miss judged. It has caused a huge amount of stress on us our children & other dog, especially after not long before loosing our 14 year old Labrador from old age. Digby was a companion for our other Cockapoo rescue dog & we loved him very much. 

This made us realise after looking into properly Dog walking needs to be more regulated, their are some very good experienced Dog walkers out there unfortunately we didn’t get one. Most good professional dog walkers themselves have agreed the profession needs to be regulated to allow them to work safely too in a job they love & passionate about the dogs & stop just anyone (those) setting up who do not care for the animals.
We would not want any other family to experience what we have & hopefully this will help stop any other dogs or families being hurt. Our heart goes out to any other family who has lost their pet in a similar way. It’s a pain you don’t get over & a rollercoaster of emotions. 

Need 10,000 signatures for Parliament to look at introducing the below changes to the Law for Dog Walking Businesses > 

- There are well-established companies that exist, providing pet sitting or dog walking services, that are incredible and are being run professionally, offering complete reassurance to us pet owners that the service being offered is reliable, honest and safe.  Yet the industry appears to be very poorly regulated.  This has been proven in recent months and years, when there have been numerous losses of a beloved pet.  Either by accident, theft or just sheer neglect by some unscrupulous individuals who are just out to make money and no interest for the welfare of the pets in their care.  
It is therefore time to recognise the impact this loss has, on responsible pet owners wanting to give the best care to their pets whilst they are at work or on holiday or during periods of ill-health.  

This is where we believe 'Digby's Law' can begin to be addressed.

The changes for…. > 
 

- All Dog Walking/Pet sitting businesses should have a standard formal written contract with the dog's owner. 

- The contract should include responsibilities as a dog walker.

 - When and where (location) will take the dog for a walk and how often.
Whether the dog will be walked alone, or in a group with other dogs, kept on a lead or unleashed in safe, secure parks or areas.
As a duty of care the owner must sign to say consent has been given.  Appropriate collars and leads to be used, or muzzles if required.
The size and limit for group walks if appropriate for socialisation.
How to handle and dispose of dog waste safely using designated areas/bins.
To be able to deal with any behavior issues,or to be able to administer emergency first aid, or deal with disputes or incidents involving dogs in dog walkers care in public places.
 (A good knowledge of Dog Training and behavioural issues/certificated and approved by governing bodies) Recall training in a safe secure environment which takes months & any professional Dog Walker should be experienced to know this. 
Knowledge of any Local/National authority regulations such as exercising dogs in public places. Risk assessments for areas walked. 
One of the most obvious things for a registered Dog Walker should be a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Can get this through the government website. Providing basic details like address for the last five years and national insurance number. Also need to supply copies of identification documents, but once complete, the DBS certificate shows reassurance. 

To be Registered/Licensed and insured to practice business, by the local Local governing Council Authority.  A yearly fee to be paid to promote safe good practices.
To agree Payment terms, amount, and frequency and to give a signed copy of agreed walking contract between registered dog owner and dog walker.

All dogs in the care of the dog walker should have a good relationship with the owners of the dog as it is their responsibility to ensure their pets are:- Collared,tagged and Microchipped as well as fully up to date with vaccinations.  All known medical conditions to be documented,and highlighted. Registered Vets to be included in registration of the dog with the Dog Walker,and consent given by the Dog Owner, if emergency treatment should be needed.

- Transportation of dogs to a place of exercise or to collect or return dogs home.

Will be:- Insured in a vehicle in good working order, and road worthy, taxed and insured for the business. It should be well ventilated, and dogs will be caged and not tethered by lead or chain or restrained in any other way.  Access to water should be given.

- Dog walker responsibilities in respect of insurance:- It should provide coverage in case of injury to the dog Walker, dogs, or passers-by it should also take care of all of basic business requirements and dog walking-specific responsibilities & all of the above how many dogs can be exercised at one time & named person walking them. 

- In order for dog owners to have faith, in any Dog Walking Businesses. It is felt that the business should be better regulated and Licensed so that policies and procedures can be put into place, to safeguard the welfare of the dogs in their care, the general public, other animals and the Dog Walkers themselves. Preventing malpractice and any fraudulent business practice.

- Finally Owners love their pets and want to ensure they are handing them over to someone trustworthy. As you may be giving dog walkers access to homes or gardens, unsupervised, as well as providing keys or codes to enter the premises. 

• It is imperative that a person of good character is practising as professionally as it is possible, and can be held accountable for any breach of conduct if the industry was appropriately governed and managed.
  This is where 'Digby's Law Could make a difference, not only in saving the precious lives of our pets, but also protecting the reputation and livelihood of legitimate business owners that do such incredible work looking after our pets entrusted into their care in our absence.
• 
  It's all about Duty of Care, accountability and Professionalism in an industry that is expanding rapidly, with unlicensed practitioners that are not being punished for crimes that are being committed by some & ruining an enjoyable Job for genuinely good established ones.
•  
• Under the AnimalWelfare Act 2006 the need to protect from the risk of harm or injury pain or unnecessary suffering. 
  
  Thank you for reading. Please Sign & please Share ❤️ 

Help Digbys Paw change the Law � 

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