This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-25712122
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Wood Green Animal Shelter bans rescue dog 'sightseers' | Wood Green Animal Shelter bans rescue dog 'sightseers' |
(about 17 hours later) | |
An animal charity has banned people from viewing its dogs unless they are "genuinely looking" for a pet to reduce stress on the animals. | |
Wood Green Animal Shelter in Cambridgeshire will shut its kennels to the general public from 20 January. | Wood Green Animal Shelter in Cambridgeshire will shut its kennels to the general public from 20 January. |
A spokeswoman said the "constant stream of strangers" viewing the dogs was causing the animals "stress". | A spokeswoman said the "constant stream of strangers" viewing the dogs was causing the animals "stress". |
Research carried out by the charity last summer revealed only 15% of visitors intended to adopt a dog. | Research carried out by the charity last summer revealed only 15% of visitors intended to adopt a dog. |
'Hiding and panting' | 'Hiding and panting' |
Linda Cantle, head of animal welfare at the Godmanchester rescue, said: "We understand that some people will be disappointed by not being able to visit the dogs, however our animals' welfare is always our overriding priority." | Linda Cantle, head of animal welfare at the Godmanchester rescue, said: "We understand that some people will be disappointed by not being able to visit the dogs, however our animals' welfare is always our overriding priority." |
"Various studies worldwide have shown that a constant stream of strangers viewing dogs is extremely stressful for them, leading to excessive barking, hiding and panting," she added. | "Various studies worldwide have shown that a constant stream of strangers viewing dogs is extremely stressful for them, leading to excessive barking, hiding and panting," she added. |
"We have introduced a number of techniques to reduce the negative effect, but we are still seeing a deterioration of behaviour and health in the dogs in our care on a daily basis." | "We have introduced a number of techniques to reduce the negative effect, but we are still seeing a deterioration of behaviour and health in the dogs in our care on a daily basis." |
People wishing to visit the dogs will now have to meet with a member of staff to discuss the rehoming process before being able to view the animals, Ms Cantle said. | People wishing to visit the dogs will now have to meet with a member of staff to discuss the rehoming process before being able to view the animals, Ms Cantle said. |
Previous version
1
Next version