West Hampshire Centre – Pet Policy
In November 2017, The West Hampshire Centre Committee introduced the following ruling:
Pets – Dogs, Cats etc., must be on a secured lead and under control at all times. The length of the lead should not exceed 10 feet from any point on the Caravan. All pets must be exercised off the rally site. NOT around the site perimeter. Under no circumstances should they be allowed to foul the ground. Any dog mess on the rally field, particularly in the vicinity of the vans must be removed as soon as possible. Pets will NOT be permitted at any social event or kitchen facilities. This is to protect animals, occupants and equipment and we trust you will respect this decision
This clarification notice has been produced to explain the Committee’s reasoning behind the ruling and to add further clarity for the benefit of the membership. This ruling applies to all Members, Visitors and Guests attending all West Hampshire Centre’s Rallies or events.
The Ruling has been made by the Committee after due consideration and debate was given to several recent incidents that have occurred on site and the Committee decided that this ruling was the best way to manage the situation:
The following incidents have occurred in the last 12 months (where applicable, the relevant wording from the CAMC guidance has been given):
Pet management within limited spaces:
Example there was the potential to have twenty-eight dogs attend a social event on a rally with their owners if the Pet Policy wasn’t in place!
Health & Safety:
It has been noted that dogs have urinated within “Pods” and young children – un-be-known to them – have subsequently been seen playing in the same area! (CAMC state: Please don’t let your dog urinate or make a mess anywhere on site, unless in designated areas).
3rd Party issues:
There have been occasions where Dog on Dog attacks has occurred including a 3rd party liability claim made. (CAMC state: You are responsible for your pets behaviour. You must make sure your pet is under control at all times; dogs must be kept on a secure lead no more than 3 metres long))
Well-being of ALL Ralliers:
Not every Rallier is a pet lover! Some may even be very wary and some children afraid e.g. there wasan occasion whereby a large Alsatian was positioned with its owner beside the entrance to a pod. (CAMC state: Not everyone is as fond of dogs as you are, try not to let your dog annoy others by barking or jumping up at people).
Equipment:
This Pet Policy is designed to help Members who supply their OWN “Pods” for holding of social events and to protect that/their equipment thereby trying to ensure the continuing goodwill of members in providing them. A reminder that as such, Members “Pods” used on our Rally Fields are NOT deemed Centre Equipment.
Food areas:
It has been noted that dogs have been allowed into halls/pods/kitchens where food preparation,
cooking & serving occur together with provision of Urns and power supply/leads. Food Hygiene and Health & Safety Regulations must apply at all times.
Within the General Letters to Centres, it states:
The Health & Safety at Work Act does not apply to rallies, but Centres have a civil duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act to take reasonable protective steps for all members attending a CAMC rally. It should be noted that the CAMC do not allow dogs in any of their facilities apart from assistance (guide or hearing) dogs..
The Exception:
To enable Rally Officers to carry out their admin/RO duties without the need to leave their pets in
their caravans, Rally Officers are permitted to have their pets within a designated Rally Office area as long as the pets under appropriate control (e.g. dogs on lead) at all times and in no circumstances be allowed to foul the ground. The rally office area shall be separate from the social area.
In Summary:
The main reason for this ruling is to protect animals, occupants and equipment and the Committee wish it to be applied in a fair, consistent and open manner. Whilst some members/ralliers may feel certain aspects of this Policy may restrict their enjoyment of Rallies, we trust they will respect the founding principles of it and abide by the Committee’s decision.