Lost Dog Owners in Uncharted Territory: Navigating an Unregulated Industry with No Official Training or Accountability

Introduction:

Losing a dog is an emotionally distressing experience, and for many dog owners, the search for their lost dogs can be a journey into uncharted territory. Unfortunately, the world of lost dog search and rescue is an unregulated industry with no official training or accountability standards in place. In this blog, we'll explore the challenges faced by lost dog owners and shed light on the need for a more organised and responsible approach to lost dog search and rescue. 

The growth of the unregulated industry: 

Pet care is one of UK’s many thriving industries where consistent growth is happening year-on-year. Figures published by the Office for National Statistics revealed that expenditure on pets and related products reached an annual value of 9.89 million British pounds in 2022, representing a 182 percent increase from the beginning of the survey period in 2005. (Source https://www.statista.com/statistics/308266/consumer-spending-on-pets-and-related-products-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/#statisticContainer)

As the population of dogs grew in the United Kingdom over the last decade, so did the share of dog-owning households in the UK. Between 2019/20 and 2021/22, the share of UK households owning a pet dog jumped from 23 percent to around 34 percent. 

In 2024 to date (Feb 2024) there has been 465 dogs logged as lost (not stolen) in a well known UK database and in the last few years there has been a rise in the number of Lost Dog Search and Rescue Groups available to owners. 

Unlike other professional services, lost dog search and rescue operates in an unregulated industry. Anyone can claim to be a lost dog expert or offer services to find lost dogs, regardless of their qualifications, expertise or tools. This lack of regulation can lead to misinformation, scams, and ineffective methods, leaving desperate dog owners vulnerable to exploitation and in cases leads to the unnecessary death of their lost dog. 

No Official Training or Standards:

In the absence of official training or industry standards, there is no guarantee that individuals offering lost dog services possess the necessary skills, knowledge or appropriate tools to effectively locate missing dogs. This lack of oversight can result in well-intentioned but unqualified individuals providing misleading advice or implementing ineffective search strategies.

Preserving the Purpose: Prioritising Pet Welfare Over Ego in Lost Pet Recovery

In the realm of lost dog recovery, the primary goal should always be the safe and timely return of the missing dogs. Unfortunately, some instances reveal a troubling trend within certain recovery groups, where ego or the promotion of their own group takes precedence over the welfare of the lost dog. Rather than focusing on collaborative efforts, effective strategies or advising owners that another group processes another set of tools which are more likely to recover the lost dog, individuals within these groups might become more concerned with personal recognition or claiming credit for a successful recovery. This ego-driven approach can lead to unnecessary competition, information hoarding, and a lack of transparency—all of which hinder the overall effectiveness of the search efforts. It is crucial for those involved in lost dog search and rescue to prioritise the well-being of the animals and their distressed owners over personal recognition, fostering a community that thrives on cooperation, shared knowledge, and a collective commitment to reuniting lost dogs. After all, the ultimate victory lies in the joyous recovery of a dog, not in individual acclaim.

Accountability Issues:

The absence of a regulatory framework also means that there is little to no accountability in the lost dog recovery industry. Pet owners may invest significant time and money in services that ultimately yield no results, with little recourse for holding service providers accountable for their actions or lack thereof.

Fatal Consequences: Unregulated Conditions Claim Lives of Dogs in the Absence of Legislation

In 2021, the heartbreaking story of Nessie, a young and nervous dog, unfolded tragically. Despite receiving expert advice, those who chose to take responsibility for her well-being during a lost dog search and rescue mission chose to ignore the recommendations which prioritised her welfare. The responsible persons organised a search party on the belief they could contain Nessie. 

Nessie's flight response kicked in, leading her to run into a dangerous dual carriageway where she met an untimely and avoidable death. This devastating incident not only highlights the importance of heeding professional guidance in lost dog recovery but also underscores the need for responsible and careful decision-making. Nessie's unnecessary loss serves as a poignant reminder that every step taken during a search operation should prioritise the safety and welfare of the lost dog, preventing not only harm to them but also potential risks to others, including road users.

Here are some words from her rescue: 

“We are devastated to report that Nessie sadly lost her life this afternoon on the A27. 

Nessie was adopted in September 2020 as a 4 month old puppy. She had 8 other siblings who were also adopted. You may remember Nessie’s mother Rain being rescued from the kill shelter? 

Her adopter did not tell us that Nessie was missing, we learned this from Facebook a day later after another group had organised searches and sniffer dogs against all professional advice. Searching for a missing dog like Nessie is the WORST thing you can do. Nessie’s adopter refused to work with us to get Nessie safe. 

We have built up a brilliant network of volunteers and professionals including expert dog catchers who all came out to help rescue Nessie. Our team has spent the last 6 days trying to safely rescue Nessie with the use of humane traps and cameras. This includes camping outside to monitor the equipment. 

Unfortunately after yet another search party was organised against our advice, Nessie ran into the dual carriageway and was instantly killed. We were watching her in fields only this morning only 500m from her home. 

Rest in peace Nessie. Let’s hope some lessons are learned from your all too soon passing.”

For several months, Drogo, a dog, roamed freely on the Isle of Arran, eluding all trapping attempts. Despite expert advice advocating careful strategies, inexperienced individuals involved in his search opted for alternative methods that only exacerbated the situation. These misguided efforts led Drogo to run further, causing evident mental distress. Tragically, the culmination of these events resulted in a farmer resorting to shooting Drogo, and the outcome was far from swift or humane. Drogo was left to suffer for days until he was discovered lifeless in a ditch. Drogo's prolonged agony and eventual demise underscore the direct consequences of the search and rescue teams' decisions and desires to catch Drogo. His death was not only unnecessary but also avoidable had the proper expertise been applied. This heartbreaking incident prompts reflection on the responsibilities that come with attempting to rescue lost animals and the need for a more informed, compassionate and accountable approach to ensure their well-being.

The examples above are the tip of the ice berg and sadly there are many lost dogs who have lost their lives, or are still lost and exposed due to the lack of accountability meaning there are no consequences to the actions taken. Sadly the lost dog search and rescue teams who took responsibility for the dogs like Drogo and Nessie are not held accountable but the ones who loved those dogs are forever affected. 

The instances mentioned above merely scratch the surface of a much larger issue, where numerous lost dogs have either lost their lives or remain missing, all due to the absence of accountability. Regrettably, the lack of consequences for certain actions perpetuates this distressing trend. In the unfortunate cases of dogs like Drogo and Nessie, the search and rescue teams responsible are not held accountable for their decisions, leaving the ones who cherished these dogs forever affected. The toll of such negligence extends far beyond the immediate incidents, emphasising the urgent need for a system that ensures accountability and responsibility in the realm of lost pet recovery. It is a call to action for greater awareness and measures to safeguard the lives of these vulnerable animals and the emotional well-being of those who care for them.

The Need for Change:

The challenges faced by lost dog owners and lost dogs underscore the urgent need for a more organised and responsible approach to lost dog search and rescue. Establishing industry standards, official training programs, and a regulatory framework can help ensure that those offering lost dog search and rescue services are qualified, accountable, and committed to the well-being of both lost dogs and their owners.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006

In the United Kingdom, animal licensing plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of animals. Governed by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, local authorities are empowered to issue licenses for a range of activities involving animals, such as pet shops, boarding kennels, dog breeding, riding establishments, and performing animals. These licenses are instrumental in establishing and upholding specific standards of care and accommodation to ensure the welfare of animals. The licensing process includes thorough inspections, assessing facilities and practices to guarantee compliance with essential criteria related to hygiene, space, nutrition, and overall welfare.

However, it's noteworthy that certain areas currently lack licensing or regulatory oversight. This includes animal rescues and sanctuaries, dog walking and grooming services, as well as dog play parks. Notably, the activities of lost dog search and rescue operations also fall within this category. As we acknowledge the significant strides made through licensing, it becomes apparent that extending regulatory measures to these currently unlicensed areas is essential for maintaining comprehensive animal welfare standards across diverse sectors, including the lost dog search and rescue industry. 

Individuals assuming responsibility for a lost dog must be held accountable and possess the necessary licensing to guarantee the well-being of the lost dog. Any opposition to this idea raises valid questions about the commitment to ensuring the welfare and safety of these vulnerable dogs.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”) places a duty of care on anyone responsible for an animal, to ensure its welfare. Any person responsible for an animal, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, must take reasonable steps to ensure that the needs of an animal are met at all times. 

The 2006 Act enshrines the five welfare needs, which all animals have a right to, namely: 

• need for a suitable environment – place to live; Freedom from discomfort and exposure. ...

• need for a suitable diet; Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition. By providing ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

• need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns; Freedom to express normal behaviour.

• need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals ; Freedom from fear and distress. ...

• need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease; Freedom from pain, injury, and disease. ...

Duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare

A person commits an offence if he does not take such steps as are reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that the needs of an animal for which he is responsible are met to the extent required by good practice.

For the purposes of this Act, an animal's needs shall be taken to include—

its need for a suitable environment,

its need for a suitable diet,

its need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns,

any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals, and

its need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

The circumstances to which it is relevant to have regard when applying subsection (1) include, in particular—

any lawful purpose for which the animal is kept, and any lawful activity undertaken in relation to the animal.

Unnecessary suffering

A person commits an offence if—

an act of his, or a failure of his to act, causes an animal to suffer,

he knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that the act, or failure to act, would have that effect or be likely to do so,

the animal is a protected animal, and

the suffering is unnecessary.

A person commits an offence if—

he is responsible for an animal,

an act, or failure to act, of another person causes the animal to suffer,

he permitted that to happen or failed to take such steps (whether by way of supervising the other person or otherwise) as were reasonable in all the circumstances to prevent that happening, and

the suffering is unnecessary.

The considerations to which it is relevant to have regard when determining for the purposes of this section whether suffering is unnecessary include—

whether the suffering could reasonably have been avoided or reduced;

whether the conduct which caused the suffering was in compliance with any relevant enactment or any relevant provisions of a licence or code of practice issued under an enactment;

whether the conduct which caused the suffering was for a legitimate purpose, such as—

the purpose of benefiting the animal, or

the purpose of protecting a person, property or another animal;

whether the suffering was proportionate to the purpose of the conduct concerned;

whether the conduct concerned was in all the circumstances that of a reasonably competent and humane person.

Anyone in lost dog search and rescue who take responsibility for the welfare of a lost dog, including but not limited to advising owners and deploying equipment, are taking responsibility on a temporary bases of that lost dog until such a time the lost dogs situation comes to a conclusion. Therefore it is proposed that lost dog search and rescue organisations are required to follow a standard, processes and procedures to ensure the welfare needs of the lost dog are being met. 

One might contend that a lost dog, is already without their five freedoms, and are already in a precarious situation, rendering post-loss actions inconsequential. Nevertheless, the cases of Nessie and Drogo stand as poignant examples of avoidable suffering and fatalities attributed to inexperience and a deficiency in accountability. Additionally, instances have been noted where dogs are left exposed, as some search and rescue teams lack the means to apprehend the lost dog. Regrettably, these teams often neglect to inform owners of alternative groups possessing the requisite experience and equipment to safely recover the lost dog. This oversight not only prolongs the period that the dog is lost but also intensifies unnecessary suffering.

FOR THE LOST firmly advocates that any entity, whether it be an individual, group, charity, CIC, or any other body engaged in Lost Dog Search and Rescue, should be subject to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). If their actions lead to undue suffering for the lost dog they have taken responsibility for, they should be held accountable. In this context, Lost Dog Search and Rescue encompasses individuals, organisations, charities, CICs, or any registered entity involved in activities such as providing advice, support, promotion, education, training, and on-the-ground efforts concerning lost or loose dogs, including stray dogs. This approach ensures a comprehensive framework for accountability and upholding the welfare of lost dogs throughout the search and rescue process.

When a dog is lost, it may undergo the following effects, in addition to the mental stress of trying to survive:

• Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System: The sympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the "fight or flight" system, is activated. This leads to the release of stress hormones, primarily adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine, into the bloodstream.

• Increased Heart Rate: Adrenaline causes the heart rate to increase rapidly. This helps pump more blood, carrying oxygen and nutrients, to vital organs and muscles, preparing the dog for physical exertion.

• Dilation of Pupils: The dog's pupils dilate to allow more light to enter the eyes, enhancing visual acuity. This aids in detecting potential threats and navigating in low-light conditions.

• Bronchial Dilation: The airways in the respiratory system expand, allowing for increased oxygen intake. This ensures that the dog has enough oxygen available for heightened physical activity

• Muscle Tension: Muscles throughout the body become tense and ready for action. This can enhance the dog's strength and speed, facilitating either fighting or fleeing.

• Increased Blood Flow: Blood flow is redirected away from non-essential functions, such as digestion and immune response, and directed towards the muscles and organs needed for immediate survival.

• Heightened Alertness: The dog becomes hyper-alert, with heightened senses of sight, hearing, and smell. This helps in detecting potential dangers in the environment.

• Decreased Pain Perception: Dogs in a "fight or flight" state may have a reduced perception of pain. This can be advantageous if they are injured during a confrontation with a threat, allowing them to keep moving

• Release of Glucose: The liver releases stored glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream, providing a quick source of energy for the dog's heightened physical activity.

• Digestive System Inhibition: Digestive functions slow down or halt entirely. This is why dogs may experience gastrointestinal issues during stressful situations.

Individuals assuming responsibility for a lost dog should take every reasonable measure to alleviate the mental and physical effects on the dog. They should refrain from actions that exacerbate or contribute to the existing stress

Lost dogs should be afforded their freedoms by search and rescue organisations who take responsibility and control of a lost dogs situation and therefore have a direct impact and duty of care for that lost dog. 

A lost dog should be afforded the freedom of all methods which strive to reach a successful conclusion and reduce the time the dog is exposed to the elements and risks.

A lost dog should be free from thirst and hunger by being provided with food and water where conditions warrant the use in an attempt to ensure the dog is supported physically and mentally whilst recapture methods are progressed. 

A lost dog should be afforded freedom from additional fear and distress, search and rescue teams should take all reasonable steps to ensure the lost dogs fear and distress is reduced and not exhastibatzd. This includes physical and mental distress.

Any individual or organisation assuming responsibility for a lost dog should take proactive measures to ensure the dog is spared from the aforementioned negative effects. It is imperative to take all reasonable steps to guarantee the well-being of the dog throughout the lost period.

Search and rescue teams should partake in training, comply with regulations, and be subject to accountability when assuming responsibility for a lost dog's welfare. Additionally, they should receive education and guidance from approved authorities to foster their growth and ultimately benefit the well-being of the lost dogs they seek to rescue. 

This approach is crucial to ensuring a standardised and responsible approach that prioritises the safety and welfare of the lost animal.

Creating Awareness:

Dog owners need to be aware of the current state of the lost dog recovery industry and take steps to protect themselves and their lost dog from potential exploitation. By advocating for change and raising awareness about the lack of regulation, owners can contribute to the push for industry standards that prioritise the well-being of lost dogs. 

Conclusion:

Losing a dog is a heart-wrenching experience, and the challenges faced by lost dog owners in an unregulated industry only compound the emotional distress and dogs are losing their lives and suffering unnecessarily. It's crucial to recognise the need for change, push for industry standards, and create a system that prioritises the well-being of dogs.

Only through organised efforts and advocacy can we hope to navigate the uncharted territory of lost dog recovery with accountability, professionalism, and compassion.

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