OBLIGATIONS AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR RESCUES AND REHOMING ORGANISATIONS  – MANAGING A CHARITY

Duties to the public

Rescue organisations also owe a general duty of care to the public. This means that members of the public should  not be exposed to risks which can be foreseen by the rescue in carrying out its activities. If members of the public are able to visit the organisation’s premises the organisations health and safety policy should be shared with them in advance. It may also be appropriate to undertake a risk assessment before inviting members of the public onto the premises.

You should also be aware of the potential legal consequences that might flow if a dog in your care attacks a member of the public or another animal.

In practice this means that in  your health and safety policy (and practices) you should take steps to ensure that employees and  volunteers are confident handling dogs out in public and advise taking precautionary steps such as using high vis leads /harnesses warning members of the public that the dog may be anxious and does not welcome touch etc.