Ascension : Ascension Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Internet Editor) 12.06.2008 (Article Archived on 26.06.2008)

Over the last few months many have remarked that there has been a marked increase in dog numbers on the island.

Over the last few months many have remarked that there has been a marked increase in dog numbers on the island.  I think it is both true and fair to say that we have set some kind of island record for numbers of dogs imported in recent times but contrary to some opinions the dog population has not suddenly increased out of all proportion.  Sadly over the last 12-18 months we have had to say farewell to many of our canine companions as age and illness has taken them from us.  Plus, of course, there are those that leave with their owners for pastures new on St Helena or in the UK.   In the main most dogs are imported to the island when their owners start a new contract here and are already established family pets, sometimes they are new dogs for owners who have lost a treasured pet but on occasion they are new dogs for new owners.

Whether your dog is an old family companion or a new addition and whether you are an old hand at ownership or just enjoying your first pup it may be worth refreshing your knowledge of some of the basics of pet ownership; your responsibilities to your pet and society in general, health and welfare issues and training.  The Dogs Trust in the UK provides excellent advice on all of these areas and has very kindly allowed me to reproduce some of their factsheets in the Islander.  Because of the particular nature of Ascension some of the advice relative to UK owners doesn’t apply here but for the most part it is entirely applicable and excellent to boot.

The Dogs Trust is a charitable organisation that was founded in 1891 to protect dogs from ‘torture and ill-usage of every kind’, Dogs Trust has now pursed its goal with determination for over one hundred years. In 2003, Dogs Trust changed its name, which was originally NCDL or the National Canine Defence League, to more accurately reflect the work it now undertakes.

From it’s humble beginnings when a ‘small party of gentlemen’ brought together by Lady Gertrude Stock in a room off the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington during the first ever Crufts dog show, vowed to campaign for the protection of strays, the provision of proper veterinary care and to campaign against muzzling, prolonged chaining, and experimentation on dogs – a widespread practice at the time. Vowing never to turn down a reasonable request for help, Dogs Trust began operations funded entirely by donations from members and supporters. In 1902 membership totalled 1000 for the first

time and continued to grow steadily to 6,500 members by 1910. Today Dogs Trust has over 550,000 members and supporters.

To the Dogs Trust today which cares for more than 15,000 stray and abandoned dogs every year at its 17 Rehoming Centres throughout the UK. A non-destruction policy was adopted in 1964 and today, dogs that cannot for some reason be rehomed, can be sponsored and become permanent residents. The Dogs Trust campaigns at both local and national level on a wide range of different issues that directly impact on the welfare of dogs both in the UK and abroad.