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RESPONSIBLE DOGGIE VISITS
Otter's Haunt in Parys has been a great supporter of dog
friendly accomodation and it is regrettable that the manager,
Karen, was badly bitten by a visiting dog. They were very
tempted to ban all dogs, but have decided on a compromise.
From no on all visitors with dogs will have to comply with the
rules laid out in this press release by Graeme, her husband
and co-proprietor.
OTTERS' HAUNT on the Vaal River near Parys - where we have
always welcomed dogs and their owners - has been forced to
review our policy of all and sundry. Karen Addison, manager of
the guest house and cabins, was the victim of an unprovoked
attack by a Staffordshire terrier. She suffered multiple
puncture wounds in her legs and was in great pain for two
weeks, unable to walk most of the time and certainly unable to
train for her next marathon run.
This very painful and unpleasant
incident occurred on the front lawn while many guests and
several children were in the area. Although Karen suffered, we
are fortunate that it was not a child or guest. The owners
paid medical bills and were very understanding about the whole
thing but this did not do away with the nastiness of the
attack. The dog, we later learnt, had a disturbed background
and in our view it was irresponsible to bring it to a guest
farm.
We love dogs and have no problem
with the majority of animals that visit us. Our own border
collie and labrador enjoy the company of visitors. But from
now on:
  *
Dogs should preferably have a certificate of good behaviour
issued by a competent authority. To see
examples click on the certificates to see more detail - KUSA
GOOD CITIZENSHIP DIPLOMA and CERTIFICATE THAT CERTIFIES A DOG
HAS UNDERGONE BASIC TRAINING.
* We will not allow bull terriers, Staffies, boerbulls,
dobermans, Alsatians or Rottweilers, as well as other dogs at
our discretion. Please phone in advance to discuss your
animal. Karen: 082 475 8767.
* The owner/handler must sign an indemnity assuming full
responsibiltiy and liability for any injury, accident, loss or
damage caused by or arising from your animal's or presence on
the property, indemnifying the owners of Otters' Haunt against
any claim whatsoever.
* Dogs must be on a leash in guest areas and must be carefully
controlled at all times.
We regret having to take this
step. Your dog can still romp to its heart's delight in our
open fields, swim in the Vaal River, and visit the islands. We
only ask that you remove doggie-doo from guest areas.
Otters' Haunt is a wonderful place for a doggy holiday. But,
as with humans, we can't permit hooligan animals and the
owners must be prepared to take responsibility.
The Walks at Otter's Haunt
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