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Wednesday, 19 August 2009 09:43 |
THE FOLLOWING FIVE BASIC CRITERIA SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BEFORE BRINGING A NEW PET INTO YOUR HOME ( www.ethology.co.za)
A. SELECTION
Choosing the right animal for the right environment is the owners' responsibility.
Consider the species, breed (size, type of hair coat, temperament), age (young, old), gender (male, female, sterile) and the source of the animal (pedigree, pet shop, advertisment, friend, welfare). When something goes wrong, owners cannot claim that they did not know that their animal will behave in such a way or that they have special needs.
B. SOCIALISATION
Provide positive stimuli with a variety of people (cultures, ages, sexes, dresses, glasses, hats and beards) other animals and different environments. This process must start from the day the young animal is obtained (approximately 6 to 16 weeks).
C. TRAINING
It is recommended that all dogs should have basic training, but it is very important that all large breeds of dogs should be trained. Set routines for all dogs and determine every dog's place in the household.
D. CARE
Basic care
The care of the animal should be compatible with the owner's life style and the reason the animal is kept for. Make sure to budget for training, facilities, food, life-spaces, holiday accommodation and general care of the animal.
Special care
Veterinary care such as vaccines, annual check-ups and sterilisation should be budgeted for. Remember that older animals and breeding animals often need special care.
E. GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS
Follow the rules, regulations and by-laws of municipal and other authorities. Make sure that the animal is not a disturbance or nuisance to neighbours or the larger community. If an animal irritates people around it, a behaviour consultant should be asked for help and advice. Suscj a problem must not wait till serious trouble is experienced in the neighbourhood.
AN EXAMPLE OF MUNICIPAL BYLAWS IS AS FOLLOWS:
Every dog of six months and older must be provided with a collar on which, or attached to which the name and address of the owner appears.
Nobody is allowed to keep a dog that is wild, dangerous or vicious, that barks, whines or howls excessively or has other habits that cause a disturbance.
Dogs must not be kept on premisses that are not fenced in such a way that the dogs are restricted to those premisses at all times.
Fine determination: R300.00 or a jail sentence of no more than two months.
Any person who discharges any fireworks within the municipal boundaries and any person who permits fireworks to be discharged on any premisses without permission of the Chief Fire Officer, shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding R5000.00 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months.
Most municipalities also have regulations regarding the removal of faeces when dogs are walked in public places.
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