Every living creature has the right to human treatment, better explained by The Five Freedoms. These internationally accepted standards of care are adopted worldwide and form a part of many countries’ laws and regulations. In Uganda, laws protecting animals exist but are not fully implemented. We as a canine fraternity can take the lead in doing better than others! The Five Freedoms ensure that we meet the mental and physical needs of animals in our care:

Freedom from hunger and thirst

Always provide your dog with fresh and clean drinking water placed in a safe place and in a clean utensil. Give your dog at least two meals daily and ensure the diet is healthy and well-balanced to the size and breed of the dog. Puppies, pregnant, and lactating mothers need stronger food than adult dogs.

Freedom from discomfort 

Give your dog a clean and comfortable shelter and a resting area, where the dog can be alone. Provide soft bedding for sleeping. The shelter should be away from noise, heat, smoke, and other pollutants. There should be natural light in the shelter. If the dog is outside, there should be a shelter from the rain. Keep clean, fresh water in the shelter too.

Freedom from pain, injury, or disease

Vaccinate your dogs correctly and on schedule. Monitor your dogs for changes in activity, signs of pain and discomfort, signs of disease, changes on the skin, and contact your certified veterinary doctor sooner than later. Prevent disease or diagnose rapidly to spare your dog from suffering. Always complete the treatment as prescribed.

Freedom to express normal behavior 

Dogs need sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of other dogs. They must be able to stretch every part of their body (from nose to tail), and run, jump, and play. If dogs are housed in individual kennels, give them time to play and exercise together.

Freedom from fear and distress 

The mental health of a dog is just as important as physical health. Do not scare or beat your dog. Prevent overcrowding and ensure dogs have enough activity.

Embracing the Five Freedoms supports the health and welfare of the dogs in our care and develops healthy dogs with balanced personalities. That ultimately leads to more dogs successfully being placed in loving homes.