Tips given to dog owners to start off the New Year (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Tips given to dog owners to start off the New Year

SWINDON'S dog warden has issued a set of recommended New Year resolutions for dog owners.

Animal warden Kay Giblett says dog owners should start the New Year by making sure their pets have a collar and tag and a safe and happy environment.

Miss Giblett said: "Some people may not realise that it is a legal requirement for a dog to have a collar and tag, with the owner's name and address on it. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £5,000 and people do get fined."

Microchips, which many dogs now have, are not enough. Miss Giblett said: "The chips won't do. A dog has to have a tag."

Miss Giblett also pointed out that owners have a duty to make sure their pets are not a nuisance to others.

She said: "Dog owners need to make sure they pick up dog mess and they need to ensure their dog is happy in its environment.

"The best way to stop a noisy dog is not to punish it for making noise but to make sure it is a happy, confidant dog that can cope with things in the environment.

"It would be a great start to the New Year if dog owners just realised they need to be a little bit more sensible and realise that not everybody loves dogs."