A call to end the âfadâ of permanent âschool dogsâ in Pembrokeshire for their benefit and the befit of the schools, instead using visiting âtherapy dogsâ is to be heard next week.
Pembrokeshire County Councilâs Schools And Learning Overview And Scrutiny Committee meeting of November 28 will consider a public submission by Robert Thomas â who works with therapy dogs â on the subject of school dogs.
The submission reads: âMy definition of a school dog is one that spends long periods in the school and is managed and owned by school employees not outside assessed and insured visiting therapy dogs who stay for an hour with a competent handler.
âThe welfare of many dogs in schools in Pembrokeshire has been compromised over the last few years and we are concerned that the rise in the popularity of school-owned or teacher-owned dogs is an animal welfare issue.
âI can think of several school dogs in Pembrokeshire where it has gone wrong for the animal.â
He cites examples of âschool dogsâ the county, where he says they have had to be removed, with the animals being unsettled, barking and even nipping on occasions, showing âa lack of understanding of animal welfareâ.
His submission adds: âWe have done some work with the Animal Welfare team at the Welsh Government around licensing this field, a consultation was completed in March 2023, currently awaiting the outcome.
âIt has become a fad across the country and many dogs spend all day in schools supported by staff members who have another job to do. It feels like PCC does not have a policy overarching animal welfare policy in schools to protect dogs from being seen as staff members and there purely for human benefit, not the dogs.
âDogs need to rest and sleep during the day and not in school. The visiting therapy dog model works best as the impact is greatest and the welfare of the dog is managed externally. If the dog is there all the time that can diminish the impact, and the novelty can wear off for the pupils.
âIn my experience schools should concentrate on teaching and leave the therapy dog introduction to those that have the expertise in animal welfare.â
The submission will be considered by committee members at the November 28 meeting.
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