BS 8517-1:2016

BS 8517-1:2016 Security dogs Part 1: Code of practice for the use of general security dogs

Security patrol dogs are used for a wide variety of assignments from guarding high value commercial premises to VIP protection. These dogs must be safe among members of the public as well as able to defend their handlers if the need arises. BS 8517-1 exists to help ensure that such dogs are fully trained and are healthy, humanely disciplined animals working under the control of suitably trained handlers.

Who is the standard for?

The standard will be used by:

• security dog training and handling services
• security dog services providers and services procurers
• private security companies deploying such services
• individual handlers
• local authorities
• the police and the MoD

What does the standard cover?

The standard gives recommendations for the operational use of a dog by a security dog handler when providing manned guarding services on a static site or mobile patrol. It covers all the relevant issues including records, kennelling/husbandry, dog health and welfare, equipment and clothing, training and operational requirements.

This standard excludes the provision of detector dogs and handlers such as drugs detection, explosives detection or dogs and handlers used in search and rescue operations.

Trained security dogs are used in the following situations:

Mobile patrols and alarm response units, security guarding, searches at airports and ports (for perimeter security), escort duties (following arrest), special events, crowd management, tracking and detaining offenders, property evictions and VIP protection.

The standard also includes recommendations for procuring security dog services to ensure the service fits the end-user's requirements and risk profile.

NOTE: If engaged in the training or use of guard dogs, organizations must comply with all applicable legislation including The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended), The Town Police Clauses Act 1847, The Metropolitan Police Act 1839, the Animals Act 1971, and The Guard Dogs Act 1975, and must supply evidence that training is carried out exclusively by properly qualified personnel by methods which pay proper regard to the welfare of the dog and are related to the production of a healthy, humanely disciplined animal of good general temperament, trained, when working, to do so under the control of a suitably qualified handler and of the provision of proper facilities, and the maintenance at all times of high and humane standards in relation to kennelling, feeding and exercise with regular qualified veterinary inspection. NASDU, SSAIB and NSI inspect under ISO 9001 to BS 8517-1.

How is the 2016 standard different from the 2009 version?

The standard needed to be brought up to date with changes to BS 7499:2013 Site guarding and mobile patrol services and to take in new breeds and legislation, e.g. on compulsory microchipping.

Changes have been made to the following sections:

3. Terms and Definitions additional terms

4.2. Insurance - the need for specific reference to security dogs

4.3. Canine records - the requirement for compulsory microchipping - guidance on age of dog

5. Kennelling - the need to identify internal and external kennelling

6. Health and welfare of the dog

7. Equipment and clothing - use of correction collars

8. Training - the need to identify monthly/quarterly/annual assessment

9. Operational requirements - the need for safe distance and the need to be on a leash at all times

10. Transportation - the need for temperature control/monitoring