SAFE SPACE CAMPAIGN

We, the undersigned, call on the councils of the UK to work in partnership with RDuk Safe Space representatives to provide:

1) better gates and fencing to make green spaces, safe spaces for children and dogs throughout their borough

2) provide clear public information about Yellow Dog Campaign, safety around dogs and the need to STAY AWAY from Yellow Dogs..

3) safe, secure areas for solo use, for the training and play for Yellow dogs, and other indoor/outdoor facilities for the education of general community and dog owners regarding safety around dogs, dog training and rehabilitation. .

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Research in a UK town showed that approximately 4 in 10 households have children, and approximately 3 in 10 households have a dog. There were 62 designated public play areas for children and 1 public play area for dogs. Just 1. And NOTHING for a 'Yellow Dog’ - one that needs space away from other dogs, people or other things because of fear, health, age or training issues - and there are 10,000's of dogs like that throughout the country.

Almost all public open spaces where children and dogs currently play, have insufficient fencing or gates meaning children and dogs can easily run into roads, or dogs can accidentally get to livestock in off-lead walking areas. Albeit the worst case scenario, but this can and does result in pets and children injured or killed.

We want the councils to work with the Safe Space representatives to provide secure, safe play areas for all these children and dogs, throughout their borough.

There are many dogs that are walked only on lead. Some because they are in training, or don't always come back when called, and some because they are recovering from an operation, or are sick or in season. But there are also many dogs – thousands of them, on lead because they are AFRAID of other certain things – be it a dog, a person, a scooter or plastic bags for example – and if that thing gets too close to the dog, the dog may cower or lunge and bark. All these dogs are classed as 'Yellow Dogs’ - they need their space (see Yellow Dog Campaign UK)

1) The general public need to know to STAY AWAY and give space to 'YELLOW DOGS' and dogs on lead, and ask before approaching any unknown dog.

2) Owner of these dogs need support and education on how to help their dogs cope better with these challenges.

We want the council to work in partnership with the Safe Space representatives to promote the Yellow Dog Campaign throughout the borough, provide education to the public, provide support and training to owners and provide totally secure, private rehabilitation and play areas for dogs that need space.

We want the council to work with RDuk to build a dog-bespoke indoor and outdoor training area for the rehabilitation and training of dogs. We also wish the council to work with RDuk to provide educational seminars for everyone who comes into contact with dogs - resulting in safe families, educated and responsible dog owners and general public, and everyone working together to make their communities a safe space for everyone, with no-one left out.

Dog Trainers and Behaviourists agree that
100% of their clients have needed education and training
100% have needed yellow ribbons for their dogs at some point in their lives
100% have needed a safely secured, open space to run and play in the company of educated public
and that thousands of dogs need a safe space – a bookable, totally secure field for rehabilitation, training and play.

The latter is needed as a matter of urgency as the councils currently provide NO green spaces fit for purpose for the public who care for these dogs. Not one in the entire of the UK. (Accurate as far as we know – and over 24,500 of us have looked!)