2024/27484 - Kennels

REQUEST

I am writing to you under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to request information regarding the use of private contracted kennels by your Police Force for seized dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Specifically, I am interested in understanding how contracted kennels are selected, how dog welfare is monitored, the frequency of visits by Dog Legislation Officers as well as the provisions for dogs who may be unable to be exercised outside of their kennel on a daily basis.

1. Do you follow the RSPCA’s Welfare of Seized Dogs in Kennels Guide?
Yes / No

If no, what guidelines do you use when selecting contracted kennels and monitoring the welfare of dogs within contracted kennels?

2. Where do you house seized dogs?

(Please add the capacity of dogs that can be housed in the kennels in the relevant column)
Police Kennels Yes /No - Capacity
Private Kennels Yes /No - Capacity

3. What provisions do you have in place for seized dogs if/when capacity is full?

4. How often are visits made to seized dogs in police/private kennels? (
Daily/ Weekly / Bi-Weekly / Monthly / Less than Monthly
Other (please state)
Vet Visits
Daily/ Weekly / Bi-Weekly / Monthly / Less than Monthly
Other (please state)

5. Is your private kennel in your police force area?
Yes / No

If no, what is the distance to the kennel from seizing area?

6. Do you provide individual plans for seized dogs that the private kennels can follow i.e. environmental, dietary, veterinary support and exercise plans?

If yes, please can you provide an example of this?

7. What provisions are in place for dogs whose behaviour restricts them from being taken out of their kennel for daily exercise or contact with people?

8. What provisions are in place to provide opportunities for dogs to perform natural behaviours such as exercise, chewing/digging, socialising and to meet the medical needs of dogs who are considered unsafe for staff to enter the kennels of?

9. Are there processes in place to request support from a Clinical Animal Behaviourist to meet the welfare needs of individual dogs?
Yes / No

10. Do you provide the following for seized dogs in both police kennels and contracted kennels?

• Individual dietary requirements i.e. allergies Yes / No
• Medicines provided by the owner’s vet for ongoing medical conditions
Yes / No
• Preventative Medicines i.e. flea, tick, worm, and vaccinations
Yes / No
• Medicines provided by kennels vet for conditions developed whilst kennelled? Yes / No
• Enrichment toys/food puzzles, sniffing/chewing
Yes / No
• Bedding of Suitable Material
Yes / No

RESPONSE