Guide dogs remodel the lives of their visually-impaired homeowners, permitting them to grow to be extra energetic and unbiased.
The well-being of the dogs can be vital. The unhappy demise of a information canine in Hong Kong final month sparked a lot debate on social media.
The five-year-old Labrador retriever collapsed at a procuring centre whereas out with its visually-impaired proprietor. An image of the immobile canine circulated on social media.
It prompted some web customers, involved about animal welfare, to query using information dogs and to name for them to be banned. One even described the follow as “the lifelong enslavement of dogs”.
The canine was a service animal from Hong Kong Seeing Eye Dog Services. The charity issued an announcement to dispel rumours, revealing a vet who examined the canine suspected it had been poisoned.
Hong Kong police investigate death of guide dog at shopping centre
Hong Kong police investigate death of guide dog at shopping centre
An post-mortem confirmed it had been in good well being previous to its sudden demise and tissue samples have been despatched to a neighborhood lab for evaluation. Police are investigating.
There shouldn’t be hypothesis in regards to the case or misinformation on information dogs. The dogs are well-trained and steps taken to make sure they’re matched with an acceptable proprietor, whose household state of affairs and residing circumstances are thought of.
There isn’t any proof the animals are sad. These clever dogs seem to get pleasure from their work.
Owners often kind a powerful bond with their beloved dogs. The animals are taken for walks and have alternatives to socialize with different dogs. When at home, they’re handled like every other valued pet.
The charity, which checks in recurrently with homeowners and has a coverage on the well-being of the dogs, prolonged its condolences to the proprietor of the animal who died.
There are round 50 information dogs in use, however the charity says 1,900 are wanted. Finding foster households for puppies, whereas they’re educated, has been an issue.
There can be a have to make clear the legislation on the power of information dogs to access public areas and to spice up public training in regards to the animals.
Guide dogs present a beneficial service. Their welfare, like that of all animals, have to be maintained. But their use in Hong Kong must be expanded, not restricted.
