POLICY & PROCEDURE - DOGS IN HOT VEHICLES

This Policy & Procedure relates to dog(s) inside a vehicle within the precincts of a BCCGB show including its environs, car and caravan parks and approaches. Kennel Club Regulations F, G, H, I, and J new paragraph 2 & L new paragraph 1 refer.

Welfare of Dog

An exhibitor (or competitor) whose dog is entered at a Kennel Club licensed event should take all reasonable steps to ensure the needs of their dog(s) are met, and should not put their dog's health and welfare at risk by any action, default, omission or otherwise. A breach of this Regulation may be referred to the General Committee for disciplinary action under Kennel Club Rules and Regulations.

The Border Collie Club Of Great Britain (the Club) will take the following measures in order to ensure that exhibitors entering Club shows are made aware of their responsibilities & that dogs are not put at risk.

1 Prominent notices will be printed in the Show Schedule & on the Entry Form, reminding exhibitors that their dog is at risk and vulnerable if left in a hot car:-

“Your dog is vulnerable and AT RISK if left in a vehicle in high temperatures and even on days considered as slightly warm. Please take care of your dog. If your dog is found to be at risk forcible entry to your vehicle may be necessary without liability for any damage caused.”

2 ‘Not For Competition’ entries will be free, to encourage owners to enter their dogs as NFC rather than leave them at home unattended or in their vehicles in the show car park.

3 The Club will designate a responsible person to regularly patrol the car park throughout the duration of show.

Show Management Escalation Procedure

1 The Show Manager will manage the proper response to reports of a dog found in a distressed condition in a vehicle.

2 Once a report has been received, a tannoy announcement will be made giving details of the vehicle involved. A time limit will be given before further action will be taken.

3 The Show Manager & designated responsible person will attend the vehicle.

4 If no response has been received to the announcement within the time limit & if in the opinion of the Show Manager the condition of the dog allows, a final call will be made over the tannoy.

5 If there is no response & it is believed that the dog should be removed from the vehicle for its immediate protection, then appropriate action will be taken.

6 Video and/or photographic evidence will be taken of the incident.

7 Following removal of the dog, the Show Manager & responsible person will take appropriate action to immediately lower the dog’s temperature. When it is considered appropriate, the dog will be taken to the show’s vet.

8 A full report & statements will be made to the Kennel Club covering the entire incident.