Code of Practice

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR QUARANTINE PREMISES

INTRODUCTION

The entry of an animal into quarantine can be a very stressful time since it may involve several different types of transport from friendly and familiar surroundings to a totally strange environment. This Code is in addition to the provisions of the Protection of Animals Act 1911, the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912, the Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973 and the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1992, and provides guidance to quarantine premises proprietors/managers, Veterinary Superintendents and staff. It covers the need for calm and careful handling, provision of stimuli, food and water, as well as including advice on unit sizes and sleeping compartments. This Code is not intended to be a complete explanation of the law that should be consulted by anyone seeking information on statutory obligations or offences. However, in the context of disputes between pet owners and the proprietors/managers of quarantine premises, the parties to a civil action may seek to refer to the Code as part of the contract, if such is the arrangement between them.

TYPES OF ANIMAL COVERED

This Code is intended to cover the welfare needs of all dogs and cats in quarantine premises.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR WELFARE

Whilst carrying out his/her duties, everyone who handles, transports or in any other manner deals with the animals has a responsibility to prevent suffering and to ensure that the comfort of the animals is taken into account. However the prime responsibility for the welfare of all animals in quarantine premises is that of the proprietor/manager of the kennels. Veterinary Superintendents should be aware of the welfare provisions of this Code and ensure that they are fulfilled. They should inform the quarantine premises proprietor/manager in writing and report to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's Divisional Veterinary Officer if any provision of the Code of Practice is not being met.

TRANSPORT TO AND MOVES WITHIN QUARANTINE PREMISES

The journey to quarantine premises can determine the state and condition of animals on arrival. Any vehicle used to transport animals should be maintained in good condition and carefully driven. Not only can poor standards of care during loading, unloading and carriage be against the law but they will almost certainly adversely affect the animal's condition and cause dissatisfaction to the animal's owner.

Animals on arrival at the quarantine premises should be carefully unloaded and taken directly to their allotted unit. They cannot be moved subsequently to another unit unless there is an emergency or the move is approved by the Veterinary Superintendent.

SIZE OF UNITS

The basic need is for all animals to be given appropriate accommodation according to size and species. Where animals are sharing accommodation, care should be given to ensure that the unit and sleeping compartment are large enough to give each animal sufficient room.

The recommended minimum internal measurements for individual units are:

SMALL DOGS (less than 12kg (261bs)): sleeping area not less than 1.1 sq m (12 sq feet), width and length not less than 0.9 m (3 feet).

MEDIUM DOGS (12kg (26lbs) to 30kg (661bs)): sleeping area not less than 1.4 sq m (16 sq feet), width and length not less than 1.2m (4 feet).

LARGE DOGS (more than 30kg (66lbs)): sleeping area not less than 1.4 sq m (16 sq feet), width and length not less than 1.2 m (4 feet).

CATS The individual cat units should be of the walk in type not less than 1.8m (6 feet) high. The sleeping compartment plus exercise run must have a total floor area of at least 1.4 sq m (15 sq feet), and both the length and width should be at least 0.9 m (3 feet). Cat units should contain ample shelf room for climbing and resting, preferably provided both inside and out. A suitable abrasive surface for nail trimming should be provided, such as a scratching post. In shared units, each cat should have its own bed.

Bedding, toys or other comforts will be allowed at the discretion of the quarantine premises proprietors/managers or Veterinary Superintendent.

GENERAL STANDARDS

Quarantine kennels/catteries should be kept clean and hygienic with regular disinfection of premises and equipment. The surface of runs and sleeping compartments should provide sufficient grip for the animal to walk or run without sustaining injury. There should be no protruding or rough edges that may cause damage to any animal. Lead based paints must not be used. Accommodation should be built so that animals:

can see out of their units to a reasonable extent, preferably with visual stimuli;
have an adequate and constant supply of fresh air.

Sleeping compartments should be draught free and bedding should be kept dry and clean. A method of heating should be provided in the bed area sufficient to maintain the comfort of the animal in inclement weather to a minimum average temperature of +70°F or as agreed with the animal owner. There should be sufficient room for the animal to avoid the heat if it so wishes.

FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT

Every animal should be weighed on arrival at the quarantine premises, leaving and at the request of the Veterinary Superintendent.
Feeding should be supervised where more than one animal is in a pen. If necessary, animals should be separated at feeding time.
All animals should have a regular supply of clean, fresh water.
An adequate diet should be provided which takes account of the animal's age and condition. Particular methods of feeding should be agreed with the animal's owner.
Unless otherwise agreed with their owner, dogs should be fed at least once every day and cats should be fed at least twice every day. Aged or young animals may need to be fed more frequently.
Both dogs and cats should be checked at regular intervals, at least four-hourly between the hours of 9am and 1Opm. The last check should be after 9pm.

GENERAL CONDUCT

Anyone observing any likely or actual suffering should report it immediately, in the first instance to the proprietor/manager of the quarantine premises or the Veterinary Superintendent. If that is not possible, or if severe problems continue after such a report is made, it should be reported to the nearest Divisional Veterinary Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, or to the relevant Department at the address shown below. The proprietor/manager of the quarantine premises is responsible for ensuring that all staff employed have been given appropriate training and are fully instructed with regard to this Code. They should receive adequate supervision in the care and handling of dogs and cats. The primary responsibility for assuming care for the health and welfare of each individual animal must be clearly indicated. A suitably trained staff member must continually be available to deal with problems which might arise on the premises.

Animal owners should be permitted reasonable access for visiting their animals and will be required to enter each visit in the visitors book. Visits will only be allowed at the discretion of the proprietor/manager or Veterinary Superintendent.

In the event of any signs of ill health the proprietor/manager must consult the Veterinary Superintendent without delay. The animal owner should also be contacted immediately and the proprietor/manager must be prepared to keep the animal owner fully informed of progress. The animal owner should be given the opportunity of discussing any health problems directly with the Veterinary Superintendent.

FURTHER INFORMATION

PLEASE CONTACT

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food,
Animal Welfare Branch B,
1A Page Street,
London,
SW1P 4PQ,
Tel: 0207 904 6000 (switchboard)

Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Department,
Animal Health and Welfare Branch, R353,
Pentland House,
47, Robb's Loan,
Edinburgh, EH14 1TW.

National Assembly for Wales Agricultural Department,
Crown Buildings,
Cathays Park,
Cardiff, CF1 3NQ.

Copies of this leaflet PB 2109 may be obtained from MAFF Publications Admail 6000, London SW1A 2XX Tel 0645 556000 or 44 181 694 8862 from outside the U.K.