Advice Dog Owners

South Northamptonshire Council

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE ADVICE FOR DOG OWNERS
In the light of a significant part of South Northamptonshire being in a declared infected area the council’s animal welfare officer, Debbie Sheppard, is advising that all dogs must be kept under proper control by their owners. This means the dogs must either
* be kept in a kennel or enclosure from which they cannot escape
or * be effectively secured to fixed object by collar and chain
or * be accompanied by and under the effectual control of the owner or a responsible person authorised by the owner.
Owners of dogs in a declared infected area must not allow dogs to run freely, if they do the local authority or the police will seize the dog.
Additionally a MAFF inspector may require specific control measures to be taken in relation to dogs in declared infected areas.
Northamptonshire County Council has also officially closed all public footpaths and bridleways in order to minimise the risk of spreading the disease.
British Waterways Board has similarly closed canal towpaths.

For further information contact Debbie Sheppard SNC’s Animal Welfare Officer on [phone number removed] or alternatively contact the MAFF foot and mouth helpline on 0845 0504141.