16Health and veterinary care of vulnerable dogs

16 Health and veterinary care of vulnerable dogs

(1)  In this regulation –

vulnerable dog includes the following types of dog:

(a) a puppy that has not attained the age of 4 months;

(b) a bitch that is in the advanced stages of pregnancy;

(c) a lactating bitch;

(d) a dog that is suffering, or recovering, from illness or injury;

(e) a dog that requires special medical care.

(2)  A person with care or charge of a vulnerable dog must ensure that the dog is inspected, to monitor the health and welfare of the dog –

(a) as often as is reasonably required to enable intervention if required to mitigate preventable risks to the health and safety of the dog; and

(b) at least twice each day.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 5 penalty units.

(3)  A person with care or charge of a bitch that is whelping must contact a veterinary surgeon for advice if there has been no progress in the whelping within the 2-hour period after the bitch has begun straining.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 5 penalty units.

(4)  A person who has contacted a veterinary surgeon under subregulation (2) must –

(a) comply with the advice of the veterinary surgeon in respect of the bitch; or

(b) take an action, that is equivalent to that advice, that is in the best interest of the health and welfare of the bitch and the puppies being whelped.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units.