Policy on Animal Welfare – Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services

Policy on Animal Welfare for Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services

The purpose of this policy is to outline the commitment of Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services to providing the best possible care for our guide dogs, from the whelping stage through to their training and placement with a human partner.

Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our guide dogs, and we believe that providing a positive and supportive environment is crucial to their success as working dogs. This policy outlines our approach to ensuring the well-being of our guide dogs as they progress through their development.

Scope

This policy applies to all guide dogs in the care of Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services, from the whelping stage through to their training and placement with a human partner.
This policy also applies to all staff, volunteers, and contractors working with or on behalf of Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services.
This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in promoting the well-being of the guide dogs.

Process

Nutrition

Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services will provide high-quality, nutritionally balanced food to support the guide dogs’ physical and mental well-being.
Access to fresh water will be provided at all times.
The guide dogs’ daily food intake will be monitored and adjusted as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Any dietary restrictions or special needs of the guide dogs will be taken into consideration.

Environment

Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services will provide a safe and secure environment for the guide dogs to train and live.
The environment will be kept clean and hygienic.
Opportunities for the guide dogs to experience different environments will be provided to help them develop their sensory and motor skills.
The environment will be designed to promote the well-being of the guide dogs, including access to comfortable resting areas and plenty of natural light.

Health

Regular veterinary check-ups will be provided to monitor the guide dogs’ health and address any issues that may arise.
The guide dogs will receive regular vaccinations and parasite control treatments.
Any signs of illness or discomfort will be monitored closely.
Any necessary medical treatment will be provided promptly and with minimal stress to the guide dogs.

Behavioural Interaction

Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services will use positive reinforcement training methods to promote positive interactions between the guide dogs and their trainers.
Minimal use of aversive training methods, such as punishment, will be made to ensure the well-being of the guide dogs.
Opportunities for the guide dogs to interact with people and other animals will be provided to help them develop their social skills.
Positive experiences and interactions with people and other animals will be encouraged to help the guide dogs develop a positive and confident disposition.
The training program will be structured to allow for regular breaks and rest periods to prevent stress and fatigue.

Mental State

Opportunities for physical and mental stimulation, such as toys and playtime, will be provided to enhance the overall well-being of the guide dogs.
The environment will be kept calm and reassuring, to minimize stress and anxiety.
A positive and nurturing environment, with minimal stress and disturbance, will be ensured.
The guide dogs will be regularly monitored for signs of stress or anxiety, and any necessary measures will be taken to address these issues.

Responsibility

All Staff

All staff, volunteers, and contractors working with or on behalf of Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services are responsible for knowing and understanding this policy.
The Service Operations Team, in particular, is responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented in their daily work and operations.

Animal Welfare Steering Team

The Animal Welfare Steering Team is an internal team established to provide an advisory and auditing function on the welfare of the guide dogs.
The Animal Welfare Steering Team will provide recommendations and advice on the implementation of this policy, as well as conducting regular audits on the well-being of the guide dogs.
The Animal Welfare Steering Team will report its findings and recommendations to the Senior Management Team for review and action.

Senior Management Team

The Senior Management Team, formed of the Executive Committee (EXCO), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chief Operating Officer (COO), will provide direction, control, and governance on the implementation of this policy.
The Senior Management Team will ensure that this policy is implemented effectively and that all staff, volunteers, and contractors are aware of their responsibilities in relation to the policy.
The Senior Management Team will regularly review and update this policy to ensure it remains relevant and effective in promoting the well-being of the guide dogs.

Communication, Governance and Enforcement

Communication

The policy will be rolled out to all staff during staff meetings and will be shared during staff meetings upon review, usually every 6 months.

Governance

Governance of the Dog Welfare Policy lies with the Senior Management Team, while the day-to-day responsibility for implementation lies with the Service Operations Team.
The Dog Welfare Steering Team serves as an internal advisory and audit function, reviewing the policy regularly, every 6 months, to ensure its effectiveness.
Progress towards the goals of the policy will be reported on an annual basis, and the policy will be reviewed by the Senior Management Team every 2 years to take account of emerging issues and to update action plans where challenges arise.

Enforcement

The Service Operations Team will include a checkpoint in each task they do to monitor the implementation of the policy, and reported cases will be reviewed by the Dog Welfare Steering Team.
Non-compliance cases will be reviewed and followed up.

Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services is committed to providing the best possible care for our guide dogs and ensuring their well-being. This policy outlines our approach to ensuring the well-being of our guide dogs, and we will continuously review and improve our practices to ensure the best possible outcomes for our guide dogs.

Approved by Executive Committee on June 6, 2023