The Five Freedoms every dog in Northern Ireland should enjoy – Belfast Live

They include a simple hiding place for moments of stress, dog company and undisturbed meals
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Every dog in Northern Ireland is entitled to five basic but vital freedoms, whether they are assistance dogs, much sought after breeds, popular mixed breeds or adorable mutts.
Universally known as the Five Freedoms, they are recognised by governments and law enforcement agencies, charities and under the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs in Northern Ireland, they applies to all dogs, whether they are in the home, in rescue or a licensed or breeding facility or some other establishment.
And sadly not everyone who has a dog in their lives accepts just how vital these freedoms are and today we explain just how simple the Five Freedoms are and how to achieve them
Read more: Dogs given up due to 'change of circumstances' reason crippling rescue groups
Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: dogs should have ready access to fresh water and be given a regular diet of suitable food to allow them to maintain full health and wellbeing. This must be specific to the animal. Puppies, adult, pregnant and elderly dogs all need different types of food provided on different schedules.
Freedom from Discomfort: Dogs should have full access to an appropriate living environment including dry shelter and a comfortable area to sleep, rest and relax. This means the provision of soft bedding and an area with appropriate temperature, noise levels and access to natural light. If an animal is outside, they must have shelter from the elements as well as appropriate food and water bowls that will not freeze or spill.
Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease: Dogs cannot look after their physical health without a little help and owners need to be able to offer by prevention of pain, injury and disease if possible, or access rapid diagnosis and treatment to ensure the best comfort of the dog in the most efficient way. This includes vaccinating dogs, monitoring their physical and mental health, treating any injuries and providing appropriate medication and care.
Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour: Dogs must be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns. This includes stretching every part of their body, run, jump and play. They must be able to exhibit normal behaviour like moving as freely as possible in sufficient space, being able to socialise with – or avoid – another animal and being kept in proper facilities, to see natural light, to have exercise, affection and interaction which means providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind. They should not to be repeated bred.
Freedom from Fear and Distress: Dogs should be assured of conditions and treatment which avoid mental and emotional suffering. The mental health of an animal is just as important as its physical health. Good conditions can be achieved by preventing overcrowding and providing sufficient enrichment and safe hiding spaces.
Protection from hazards
Your dog needs a safe environment and protection from hazards. Examples of hazards in the home include, open windows and balconies in high buildings, which should be inadequately protected to prevent your dog from falling from them; household and garden chemicals; and poisonous plants.
Rest area
Your dog needs a safe, comfortable place to rest, situated in a dry, draught-free area. Living in a cold or damp place can lead to unnecessary suffering. All dogs must be able to avoid things that frighten them and need a place to hide where they feel safe.
Toilet area
A dog is by nature unlikely to soil its living area and needs regular opportunities to use a toilet area, or they will become distressed. Some dogs may need access to a toilet area more frequently, for example: very young; very old; and those that are ill.
Environment temperature
Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat stress which can quickly become serious and result in death. In hot weather they rapidly become distressed when enclosed in areas such as conservatories, cars and small kennels. Some signs of heat stress A safe, clean environment. Make sure that you provide adequate protection from hazards.
You should provide your dog with:
Dogs need fresh drinking water at all times. Water should never be withheld except on the recommendation of a vet.
What you should do:
All dogs should have the choice to play with other dogs unless they have social issues. The way a healthy dog behaves is individual and depends on its age, breed or type and past experience. However, most dogs are playful, sociable animals and they enjoy playing together with toys, people and other dogs.
Play is an important part of getting along with people and other dogs, and although dogs will spend some time playing alone with toys etc, they should have regular opportunities for interactive playing.
Dogs are intelligent animals and can suffer from boredom. If your dog is bored, and does not have enough to do, they may suffer or engage in inappropriate behaviour. Changes in behaviour may indicate that something is wrong with a dog’s health.
All dogs, in particular puppies and the elderly , need rest. However, individual dogs have different needs and some will sleep for long periods after exercise or food; others will need less rest and will be more active.
All dog are different and some need more space than other to be alone and, with the ability to relax undisturbed. When the dog is ready, they need to be able to re-join the group.
A dog needs daily regular exercise and regular opportunities to walk and to run free under proper supervision. The amount of exercise a dog needs varies with age, breed and health. Some breeds of dog need a lot of exercise and you should take account of this when choosing a dog. Young dogs may need to have their exercise restricted during periods of rapid growth, to avoid developmental problems. Exercising dogs in extremes of weather can lead to unnecessary suffering.
Training a dog, including the house training of puppies, is important to help your dog learn to behave appropriately and to make them easier to keep safe and controlled, as well as safeguarding their welfare with respect to how they feels about their social and physical environment and its ability to cope with any challenges.
Positive-reinforcement based training can enhance a dog’s quality of life, but aversive methods can cause a dog pain or unnecessary suffering and can cause longer term behavioural problems, so should be avoided.
Puppies and often rescue dogs require familiarisation with the many noises, objects and activities they will encounter in their environment, some of which may otherwise be frightening. Socialisation is a vital part of a puppy’s early experience and helps them to develop appropriate behaviours.
Make sure your dog
The Code of Practice comes under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 and incorporates five sections based on the five freedoms. And Section 9 of the act states that every dog owner "must take all reasonable steps to ensure that you meet the following needs that your dog has".
A breach of a provision of this Code is not an offence in itself but, if proceedings are brought against you for an offence under Section 9 of the Act, the court will look at whether or not you have complied with the Code in establishing liability.
NI Direct states: "Owning and caring for a dog can be a source of great enjoyment, but you should be aware that dog ownership is a major responsibility."
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Neglected bulldog left in agony is saved just in time by rescue group
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