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Groundwork London has teamed up with the RSPCA and Southwark Council and to help support dog owners in the capital and improve dog welfare. The partnership met dog owners on 11 and 12 March at the Gloucester Grove estate in Peckham as part of a drive to target areas which have been having problems with dogs.
Dog owners were invited to bring their pet pooches along to meet Southwark Community wardens and RSPCA inspectors and nurses from Putney Animal Hospital. Dog owners were able to get flea and worm treatments, get their dogs micro-chipped and ask questions about dog health, welfare and training. Advice about neutering, and low cost vet treatment options locally were also available.
“A lot of people acquire dogs through friends, family and neighbours, but they are not given the right advice to care for the dog properly in a way that meets its needs,” said Liz Andrews, the RSPCA’s Community Events Liaison Officer.
“We were there to advise people on issues which they might feel are too small to take to the vets, but still need answering.”
Based around Burgess Park in Peckham, the project aims to promote responsible dog ownership by working with different age groups, and potential dog owners as well as people who already have pets.
Last month, Groundwork London and the RSPCA met 90 Year 4 pupils from Gloucester primary school to educate young people about dogs and how to care for them properly. Suzanne Wood from Putney Animal Hospital brought her dog Maxi along to meet them.
The workshops looked at ways of approaching dogs safely, keeping dogs on leads near roads and how to train them by rewarding good behaviour. They also discussed dog welfare and examined different breeds of dogs and their reputation, and status dogs such as Staffies. The advantages of micro-chipping were also discussed.
“These young people are potential dog owners, so the earlier we can educate them the better,” said Liz. “We will be visiting more schools in the area, and speaking to teenagers and older pupils.”
The Gloucester primary school pupils have designed banners featuring what they have learned about dogs which will be displayed in Burgess Park when the park’s regeneration project is launched on May 14.
“Through this project and others in London we are working closely with communities to improve people’s understanding of dogs and their welfare, and promote the best way to look after them. That way we will improve dogs’ welfare and people’s enjoyment of owning them, and everybody benefits,” said Liz.
