Kennel Club’s ‘deep concern’ over safety of park’s dog agility equipment 

* No confirmation from the council that advice was taken prior to installation 

* Safety concerns raised by the public and Kennel Club 

* Council maintains equipment is safe to use

The Kennel Club has expressed concern regarding the safety of dog agility equipment recently installed by Melksham Town Council in the Dog Park, at a cost of £18,000. An investigation by Melksham News has revealed that some of the equipment, which was installed in September, far exceeds the recommended size for safe use as outlined in the Kennel Club’s ‘fun agility’ guidelines.

One piece of equipment measures over a metre taller than the Kennel Club’s recommended height for ‘have a go’ agility – aimed at the general public – and 10cm taller than the same piece of equipment used in professional agility courses. 

The equipment consists of three hurdles, one hoop, a pipe tunnel, a dog walk, a ramp, see-saw and some square metal poles for dogs to zigzag around. 

Soon after installation, members of the public started raising concerns about the safety of the dog agility equipment, which was reported in an edition of Melksham News. Amongst the issues raised by the public were that the equipment is too high; the surface of the equipment is too slippery; the seesaw is unfinished and not stable; the triangle pyramid is too high; and the hurdles face the wrong way for dogs to jump over. 

As a result, Melksham News measured the equipment installed in the dog park and contacted the Kennel Club directly, with photographs and measurements. Reviewing the information received, a member of staff from the Kennel Club said they would be “deeply concerned about the safety of the equipment.” 

Melksham News asked the Kennel Club whether they would recommend that equipment available to the public should adhere to the size recommendations set out in their fun agility guide. They confirmed that following the recommendations alone would not be sufficient for equipment in a public place. They said, “On the basis this is a permanent outdoor installation, we would be unlikely to suggest following the fun agility kit guide would be sufficient. We’d want someone with sufficient experience and knowledge involved in designing and signing it off, with a dog’s safety and welfare in mind. We have been the consulting partner in the past for these types of projects.” 

Dr Ed Hayes, Head of Public Affairs at The Kennel Club, commented: “While we want canine activities to be accessible for all, it’s critical that anywhere providing equipment of this nature, especially in a public place, has made sure it is safe for those who might use it.” 

Melksham News has asked the council whether they sought any advice regarding the specification prior to the dog park instalment, but a response has not been received. 

When questioned at a town council meeting in October if the park’s agility equipment is safe to use, town council clerk, Linda Roberts said, “I can confirm that, because I have been in liaison with the Kennel Club and the Kennel Club has had all correspondences that has been sent to the town council with concerns and I am working on a statement and signage.” 

A resident and local dog owner said, “I’m hugely disappointed that the equipment isn’t even within the safety guidelines. The lack of care for the public’s dogs is disgusting. Are the council going to pay people’s vet bills when their dogs inevitably hurt themselves? I will absolutely not be taking my dog to the dog park anymore. which is incredibly sad. What a waste of money for equipment that we can’t even use.”