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Most drivers would break law if they hit a dog, research finds
Blue Cross urges road users and pet owners to 'Paws, Prevent and Protect'.
Eighty-six per cent would not contact the police.

A new survey from Blue Cross has revealed that 86 per cent of drivers would break the law after hitting a dog by not informing the police.

It has now launched its ‘Blue Cross Code’ campaign, which encourages drivers and pet owners to act cautiously when using the roads this winter.

The charity’s research was motivated by estimations that 80,000 dogs and 230,000 cats are hit by a car on UK roads each year. Blue Cross sought to understand how drivers respond to these instances.

The survey revealed that 54 per cent of drivers would stop their vehicle and take a wounded dog to a veterinary practice, while 16 per cent said they would knock on nearby doors to find the dog’s owner.

However, 16 per cent of drivers admitted that they would prioritise their journey if they hit a dog, increasing to 35 per cent of young drivers.

In all of these cases, the driver would be breaking UK law by not contacting the police after hitting a dog. The same law does not apply to cats.

Inspired by the famous 1970s Green Cross Code campaign, the Blue Cross has now created its own ‘Blue Cross Code’. The safety initiative encourages both drivers and pet owners to be aware of the risks on the road in the winter with three guiding principles: Paws, Prevent and Protect.

Firstly, people should ‘paws’ – ‘stop, look and think’. They need to be aware of who they are sharing the road with.

Dogs should be kept on leads when they are walked near roads and kept on the inside of the pavement. Road users should drive slowly and be aware of any animals on the road.

The second principle is ‘prevent’, which advises pet owners to consider what they can do to prevent their pet coming to danger. Motorists should check there are no cats hiding underneath their vehicle when they start their journey.

Finally, Blue Cross asks that pet owners and motorists ‘protect’ the wellbeing of animals by thinking about what they can do to ensure the best possible outcome in the event of an accident.

If a motorist does hit a dog, it is a legal requirement that they contact the police in the first instance. They can then cover the pet and take them to the nearest veterinary practice.

Paul Manktelow, chief veterinary surgeon at Blue Cross, said: “As the clocks go back and those longer, darker winter nights draw in, the safety of all road users is something everyone should consider before they or their four-legged friend leaves the house.
 
“So let’s all follow the code’s three simple rules of Paws, Prevent and Protect - and hopefully we’ll have no heartbreaks this winter.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.