Did you know there are over 20 pieces of legislation that apply to dog ‘ownership’ (I’ll come onto ownership in a bit!!) British legislation covers animal welfare; being at home, in public places and on roads; identification; strays (lost & found); breeding/selling and boarding (kennels).
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 – Section 9 places a duty of care on people to ensure they take reasonable steps in all circumstances to meet the welfare needs of their animals to the extent required by good practice, in layman’s terms, we must take positive steps to ensure we care for our animals properly and in particular provide for five welfare needs. Otherwise known as ‘The 5 freedoms’.
The 5 freedoms are internationally accepted standards of care that affirm EVERY living being’s right to humane treatment. They have been the basis of animal welfare standards since the 1960’s, after Ruth Harrison wrote a book about intensive livestock & poultry farming practices of the time, (which caused public outcry and a technical committee report of the situation). In 1979, the Farm Animal Welfare Council was created to monitor livestock production and the 5 Freedoms were codified into its current recognisable list format and adopted by various professional groups – WHO, RSPCA, and RSVS to name a few.
The 5 freedoms are:
- FREEDOM From Hunger & thirst. Ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain health & vigour.
- FREEDOM From Discomfort. Provide appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- FREEDOM From Pain, injury or disease. By prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment. Includes vaccination, monitoring, treating injuries and providing meds.
- FREEDOM To express normal behaviour. Provide sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind. They must be able to stretch, run, jump & play.
- FREEDOM From fear & distress. The mental health of an animal is as important as its physical health – as psychological stress can quickly transition into physical illness.
Therefore, following on from my recent discussions on anxiety and trigger stacking it is our legal responsibility to ensure that we provide conditions and treat our dogs to avoid mental suffering.
Going that one step further, The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 was a huge milestone in that UK law now recognises animals as sentient beings, as in the fact that they are living, feeling beings with complex thoughts and emotions, each able to experience pain, fear, love & joy. WOW FINALLY!!!!
So, I’d like to leave you with this thought.
Do you ‘own’ your dog? Yes, in monetary terms we purchased (well most people do) and are legally responsible for our pets but do we own them really if they are sentient beings?
This raises many a moral question, doesn’t it?
I truly believe we cannot ‘own’ our dog as we cannot own people – they have the infinite energy that gives them life to their brain and body, it is what makes them tick – the same as you and I, our souls!!!
I have always considered myself as a guardian and refer to my clients as ‘humans’ as such, the words owner, master, pet parent, enthusiast or keeper are often used for this relationship we find ourselves in with the dogs in our family.
Recently I discovered a most beautiful word ‘Kahu’ – which resonates so deeply with me and I hope to you as well.
In Hawaiian culture – Kahu signifies guardian, protector, steward or someone entrusted with the care of something precious or cherished. It’s a term that reflects a deeper connection and responsibility towards the subject being cared for.
Doesn’t that say everything about how we feel about our dogs rather than being ‘mum’ or dad’ or ‘master’ or ‘owner’ – KAHU.
I am proud to say I am Kahu to LJ.
Thank you for reading,
Namaste
Love Lou xx