HAVE health and safety zealots finally gone barking mad? A frisbee-catching event at a dog show has been axed over fears pooches could put their backs out.
Jumping for a frisbee ‘may damage a dog’s back’ [REX]While it can be safe in controlled conditions, if it is thrown at great heights or awkward angles, leading the dog to jump and twist, it can cause strain and injury on landing so care should always be taken
A spokeswoman for The Kennel Club said: “The Kennel Club encourages fun sports and activities for dogs in order to keep them fit and healthy.
“But it has concerns about the game of frisbee, particularly in its more extreme forms.
“While it can be safe in controlled conditions, if it is thrown at great heights or awkward angles, leading the dog to jump and twist, it can cause strain and injury on landing so care should always be taken.”
Categories that have been deemed safe to go ahead at the event today in Keswick’s Fitz Park include best howling performance, longest tongue and “waggiest” tail.
An overall winner will also be declared.
The show will also feature demonstrations by sheepdogs and Cumbria Constabulary’s dogs and is part of the eight-day Keswick Festival.
The Kennel Club also told the organisers that a biscuit-catching contest could only go ahead if the dogs were sitting down and did not jump for treats.
The decree has shocked Keswick councillors who planned the event after the Lake District town was named the most dog-friendly in Britain by the Kennel Club for the second year running.
They had hoped the Keswick Scruffs show would become an annual event.
Keswick Labour councillor Tony Lywood said: “It is absolutely hilarious.
“When you think about the idea of health and safety with dogs, one has to wonder where such a thing would stop. I just think that it is bizarre.” He believes concerns were raised after a dog injured its back at a show and its owners held the organisers liable.
No comments:
Post a Comment