Yellow bandanna launches to give dogs space

Dog owners can now go the extra mile to ensure their animals’ safety and those around them with the local launch of the yellow ribbon ‘Give them space’ campaign.

Fireworks Action Campaign Toti (FACT) launched the campaign in Toti on Tuesday, 14 April after its success worldwide.

With a yellow ribbon or bandana tied onto your dog or its leash, you can send a message to other dogs or people that your dog needs some space or time to get out of their way.

According to the website www.gulahund.se, where all the information of this campaign can be found, there are lots of reasons to need more space and it may be for a shorter or longer period of time in the dogs’ lives. Even small children can learn the meaning of the yellow marking.

“This campaign is vital, especially in Toti, because it is renowned for people letting their dogs off their leashes,” said FACT committee member, Zeele Pauw at the launch.

“Some dogs prefer other dogs and people keep their distance and with a yellow ribbon or bandana, they will now know which dogs prefer you to keep your distance or stay away.

The yellow ribbon or bandana is easy to see and cheap.”

FACT will be publicising the campaign at this year’s Highland Gathering and it has already received support for the campaign from dog training groups and Toti SPCA.

“All the people we have spoken to are keen on the idea,” said chairman, Lee Lewis. “This is a greast initiative to launch in Toti. It is not to say my dog is aggressive.”

There are many reasons why a dog may need space:

* He may have health issues or is in training;

* She may be a rescue dog going through rehabilitation;

* He may have had a bad experience with another dog or not like friendly dogs.

The campaign banner will be rotated at Toti shops and vets, as well as flyers available to spread the word about this groundbreaking campaign.