MEMORANDUM. ROBERT McFALL, INTERIM CITY MANAGER JOHN ROGERS, RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR

Transcription

1 MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL ROBERT McFALL, INTERIM CITY MANAGER JOHN ROGERS, RECREATION SERVICES DIRECTOR SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AGENDA ITEM 12.a. FEBRUARY 28, 2017 CITY COUNCIL MEETING CONSIDERATION OF AN ORDINANCE ADDING NEW RULES FOR THE ELM STREET OFF LEASH DOG PARK DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2017 Attached is a packet of information received today from Arroyo Grande resident Patty Welsh relating to the above-referenced agenda item. cc: Interim City Manager City Attorney City Clerk Public Review Binder

2 )'.. RECEIVED FEB t2 c. v d.frof'y' Pa14~ Wt /?h CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE Home > News > Early Neutering Poses Health Risks for German Shepherd Dogs, Study Finds Early Neutering Poses Health Risks for German Shepherd Dogs, Study Finds By Trina Wood on May 26, 2016 in Human & Animal Health Joint disorders, a concern in German shepherd dogs, might be less likely to occur if spaying or neutering procedures are delayed until the dog is at least one year old, this study suggests. (lbrakovic!gettyimages) R enowned for their intelligence, obedience and loyalty, German shepherd dogs are often the preferred breed for police and military Quick Summary Neutering before 1 year of age triples risk of some joint disorders

3 rt~ IA!r/1 t?;, popvl11r 5-crvte- 7)cJ6> tilt f) fa/11,-~ t-e ls, l>v ~ 4 > me>l loa~~j ana vetennanans are aware, JOint a1soraers are a big concern in these animals. neutering risks for golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers Llrt'norr 11 eof'-/-~,101(.).- r')~ e\.~vo..~e.j Anew study in the journal Veterinart -"t l DO' r spr~ 1.r~-,..., '-'~ _, -- - I '\ i l'l'l.ll ~ """> -I 1.1~''(..'-~J'Il-_;... ~ne ond_~~~-!i~-9.~--~~~-~--~eutering ), 1 or spaying th-ese dogs before 1 y~~-~-~f~le~;h e risk of one or more joint disorders ~ particularly for cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, tears. '----~ ""''~ " '""''''"'-'''''''' ~ ~----- "Debilitating joint disorders of hip dysplasia, CCL and elbow dysplasia can shorten a dog's useful working life and impact its role as a family member," said lead investigator Benjamin Hart, a distinguished professor emeritus in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. "Simply delaying the spay/neuter until the dog is a year old can markedly reduce the chance of a joint disorder." Dog owners in the United States typically choose to spay or neuter their dogs prior to 6 months of age, in large part to prevent pet overpopulation or hoping to avoid unwanted behaviors. In Europe, however, neutering is generally avoided by owners and trainers and not promoted by animal health authorities, Hart said. During the past decade, some studies have indicated that spaying or neutering can have several adverse health effects for certain dog breeds. For example, a 2014 study published in PLoS ONE and also led by Hart, examined the health records of over 1,000 golden retrievers and found a surprising fourfold increase in one or more joint disorders associated with spay or neuter before 1 year of age. In the same paper, joint disorders in Labrador retrievers were found to be increased by just twofold in dogs spayed or neutered in the first year. For this current study, researchers examined veterinary hospital records over a 14.5-year period on 1,170 intact and neutered (including spayed) German shepherd dogs for joint disorders and cancers previously associated with neutering. The diseases were followed through 8 years of age, with the exception of mammary cancer in females, which was followed through 11 years.

4 ... msoraers ana cancers are or pamcu1ar Interest oecause neutenng removes ma1e ana female sex hormones that play key roles in important body processes such as closure of ~-- bone growth plates. Seven percent of intact males were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders, compared to 21 percent of males neutered prior to a year of age. In intact females, 5 percent were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders, while in females neutered prior to 1 year of age this measure was significantly increased to 16 percent. Mammary cancer was diagnosed in 4 percent of intact females compared with less than 1 percent in females neutered before 1 year of age. (The occurrence of the other cancers followed through 8 years of age was not higher in the neutered than in the intact dogs.) Urinary incontinence, not diagnosed in intact females, was diagnosed in 7 percent of females neutered before 1 year of age. "In addition to dogs suffering pain from joint disorders, the condition may also disqualify the dog as a working partner in military and police work," Hart said.. "We hope these findings provide evidence-based guidelines for deciding the right age to neuter a_~o reduce the risk of <?_r:!~ or _more joint disorders." ~ ~ Other researchers on this UC Davis study were: Lynette Hart and Abigail Thigpen, School ~ of Veterinary Medicine; and Neil Willits, Department of Statistics. The research was supported by the Canine Health Foundation and donors to the Center for Companion Animal Health. Media contact(s) Benjamin Hart, School of Veterinary Medicine, , blhart@ucdavis.edu

5 Media Resources Neutering health effects more severe for golden retrievers than Labradors Golden retriever study suggests neutering affects dog health Tags German Shepherd Dog Neuter Spay Veterinary Medicine Health Joints Cancer Categories Human & Animal Health Science & Technology Related Stories Melting Sea Ice May Be Speeding Nature's Clock in the Arctic February 23, 2017 DEET Works Against Zika-lnfected Mosquitoes, but High Doses are Best February 16, 2017

6 .. DOG REPRODUCTION Pros and Cons of Spaying and N euterin1 a Dog MARCH 25,2015 In STAFF Ask most dog lovers and they will tell you that you should have your pet spayed or neutered, the sooner the better. For most pet owners it is good advice to have their pets altered ifthcy don't intend to breed. However, it's a good idea to know all of the medical facts about spaying and neutering before you make a decision for your pet. Neutering, and particularly spaying, arc surgeries and they do come with risks. Not only that. but there are some pros and cons to spaying and neutering. According to the American College of Theriogenologists (reproductive veterinarians). there are many good reasons for keeninv an r~nimal intact Manv of them h;~ve 1o do with the

7 hetp cats and dogs achieve their full growth. When pets are spayed -,at a very young age- before their growth plates close (around two years old for most dogs)- animals arc much more likely to develop many kinds of cancer and other health problems. Early spay /neuter increases the risk of hemangiosarcoma. osteosarcoma. transitional cell carcinoma. and prostatic adenocarcinoma. Spayed and neutered pets are more likely to become obese probably due to a reduced metabolic rate related to the loss of sexual hom1ones. Urinary incontinence increases for spayed bitches. though this is less likely if the bitch is spayed after she has her first season. Intact bitches have a reduced incidence of urinary tract infections. Intact animals may have a reduced incidence of autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Diabetes mellitis occurs less frequently in intact dogs and bitches. There is a reduced incidence of cranial cruciate ruptures in intact dogs and bitches. And, there may be a lower incidence of hip dysplasia in dogs and bitches who arc spayed and neutered after they are five months old (or after a first season for bitches). In short, sexual hormones are very important to dogs and they play an important role in all aspects of a dog's development. If you spay or neuter your dog at a young age you are removing these hormones and you may be putting your dog at increased risk for some serious health problems later in life. There are some benefits associated with spaying and neutering, however. Spayed and neutered dogs have an increased incidence of mammary, testicular and ovarian tumors, as you might imagine, since these tumors arc affected by the hormones. There is an increased risk ofpyrometra in intact female dogs. lfthe uterus is removed during spay surgery. this risk is virtually

8 There is an increased risk of prostatitis and other prostate problems in intact male dogs. Neutering your male dog decreases the risk of perineal and inguinal hernia and perineal adenoma. None of this is written to discourage anyone from spaying or neutering their dog. However, it is written to inform pet owners that spaying and neutering your pet should not be considered a "slam dunk" decision. In many places today people routinely get their puppies spayed or neutered at 8-12 weeks of age without considering that they are depriving the puppies of hormones that they need for their overall development. Many shelters, rescues and even veterinarians do encourage puppies to be spayed and neutered at a young age. Even some breeders encourage early spay;neuter procedures. It is very easy and inexpensive to spay and neuter a puppy at this age. However, it is not necessarily in the best interest of your dog from a health stand point. --- If you intend to do any kind of canine sports with your dog you will probably want to wait longer to spay or neuter your pet. Studies have shown that dogs spayed at a very young age typically have longer limbs and lighter bone structure. They can be more prone to injury. The Canine Health Foundation also reported that behavioral problems are more common among spayed and neutered dogs and bitches who are altered before five months of age. Spayed bitches showed more fearful behavior and neutered dogs showed more aggression, according to this study. Spaying or neutering your dog is often the responsible thing to do. There was a time in this country in the 1960s when more than 20

9 animally through education and spay/neuter programs. If you do not intend to breed your dog then spaying or neutering your pet can make it easier for you to manage your dog without worrying about unwanted puppies._however, you should never make major health decisions for your dog based solely on convenience. s_!:~~uter surgery i~~~ealth decision and it does have lifelong consequences for your dog's health. Before deciding to spay or neuter your dog you should also take into consideration your dog's breed and other health infom1ation. Some dogs are already predisposed to certain kinds of cancer, for instance, or have a high incidence of hip dysplasia in the breed. You could be asking for trouble if you spay or neuter your dog at a young age given these considerations. Again, for most pet owners spaying and neutering their pet after five months of age (or after a bitch's first season) is a good idea if you are not interested in breeding. However, please do your homework. Make sure that you have considered the health ramifications to your dog.

10 I~ ~~ WBiflllll PIMII PIIIIJ MSN laws do nothing to reduce shelter intake. They have been ineffective wherever they had been tried. Euthanasia rates actually go UP In the years after MSN Is Implemented as families surrender their dogs and animal control confiscates others. Neutering or spaying affects an animal's health. Sterilizing puppies takes away the important hormones they need to develop. It makes the government a veterinarian. It most affects families who can least afford to comply. MSN crimlnallzes those who can't afford to sterilize. Dog ownership becomes a luxury available only to the rich. It encourages additional non-compliance with animal control licensing laws. It raises \ shelter operating costs. (-.;$> It doesn't address the Issue of responsible ownership. p cr(!{~;j ' t,'ji <( Every major animal welfare group in the United States opposes mandatory spay neuter laws. Here are a few: American Veterinary Medical Association HSUS - Humane Society of the United States AKC American Kennel Club AS PCA- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Maddie's Fund Best Friends Animal Society National Animal Interest Alliance No Kill Advocacy Center Euthanasia rates In Long Beach have dropped dramatically. Through Dec dogs were euthanized because their time ran out. The others were euthanlzed because their owners requested it. the dogs were severely injured or sick. or because of aggressive behavior. When a Los Angeles rescue group Intervened to help people surrendering their dogs, they discovered cost (to sterilize). housing. and behavioral issues were the primary cause of dogs being turned in. NOT OVER BREEDING.

11 ' The topic of spay/neuter is emotionally charged for many pet owners. It's become the "responsible" thing to do and we commonly hear of the benefits of this surgery but rarely the risks. And when savvy pet owners avoid early spay/neuter (or forego it altogether), to mitigate that risk, they're frequently vilified for contributing to the pet over population problem. But decisions made on emotion aren't usually the best kinds of decisions we can make. So indulge me while I take an objective and scientific look at what's causing all the fuss. We'll start with the most recent reason to reconsider spay/neuter. In February 2014, a study was completed on over 2500 Vizsla dogs and the results were a blow to those who vehemently defend spay/neuter. But this latest study is just the most recent of a long line of work showing that removing a quarter of the dog's endocrine system might not be in the dog's best interest- and maybe not even in the best interests of rescues and shelters. Let's look at what this research shows as the three most important reasons you should reconsider spay/neuter.

12 ' '. 1"e11'L usually tl n:f"best kindi of decisions we can make. ' \ '' \ So in.ulge merwhile I take an objective and scientific look at what's causing all the fuss. '" / ' I ' We'll ;ia~th the most recent reason to reconsider spay/neuter. In February 2014)3_~tudy was completed on oyer 2500 Vizsla dogs and the results were a blow to those who ve~ntly defend spay/~euter. But this latest study is just the most recent of a long line of work--showing/that removing a quarter of the dog's endocrine system might not be in the dog's best interest - and maybe not even in the best interests. ~ of rescues and shelters. /./ LeVs look/at what this research shows as the three most important reasons you should reconsider spay/neuter. 1. Spay/Neuter and Joint Disease We'll get to the Vizsla study that I mentioned later. They didn't investigate the link between spay/neuter and joint disease, but they didn't really need to - there was already plenty of research showing the link. Hip Dysplasia A study on Golden Retrievers found that male dogs who were neutered before 12 months of age had double the risk of hip dysplasia than their intact counterparts (Torres de Ia Riva G, Hart BL, Farver TB, Oberbauer AM, Messam LLM, et al. (2013) Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers) Other research shows that dogs sterilized before the age of six months have a 70% increased risk of developing hip dysplasia. The authors of this study (Spain et al, JAVMA 2004 ), propose that... "it is possible that the increase in bone length that results from early-age gonadectomy results in changes in joint conformation, which could lead to a

13 diagnosis of hip dysplasia." There's even more evidence that spay/neuter can increase the risk of hip dysplasia. Van Hagen et al (Am J Vet Res, Feb 2005), found that of the sample dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia, those that were neutered six months prior to the diagnosis were nearly twice as likely to develop hip dysplasia. Interestingly, a study by Dannuccia et al (Calcif Tissue tnt, 1986), found that removing the ovaries of Beagles caused increased remodeling of the pelvic bone, which also suggests an increased risk of hip dysplasia with spay. Cruciate Ligament Tears Cranial cruciate ligament tears have also been linked to spay/neuter in numerous studies. The Golden Retriever study found that although there were no cases of cruciate tear in the intact dogs. 5% of males neutered before 12 months and 8% of females did suffer tears. Whitehair et al (JAVMA Oct 1993), found that spayed and neutered dogs of any age were twice as likely to suffer cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Slauterbeck et al also found an increased risk (Ciin Orthop Relat Res Dec 2004 ). Chris Zinc DVM PhD DACVP explains, "... if the femur has achieved its genetically determined norma/length at eight months when a dog gets spayed or neutered, but the tibia, which normally stops growing at 12 to 14 months of age continues to grow, then an abnormal angle may develop at the stifle. In addition, with the extra growth, the lower leg below the stifle likely becomes heavier (because it is longer), and may cause increased stresses on the cranial cruciate ligament."

14 Additionally, sterilization can cause a loss of bone mass (Martin et al, Bone 1987), and - obesity (Edney et al, Vet Rec Apr 1986). Both of these factors could lead to an increased risk of cranial cruciate ligament tear and hip dysplasia. Furthermore, spayed/neutered dogs are greater than three times more likely to suffer from patellar luxation (Vidoni et al, Wien Tierartztl Mschr 2005). Check out how turmeric can be helpful for joint pain. Click here! But there are even more sinister issues with spay/neuter. 2. Spay/Neuter and Cancer Contrary to popular belief, we can't spay/neuter cancer and, in fact, this surgery largely increases the risk of many common canine cancers. MALES vs FEMALES: The Golden Retriever study looked at cancer rates and found that the incidence of lymphosarcoma was three times higher in males neutered before 12 months of age. Interestingly the percentage of hemangiosarcoma in females spayed after 12 months was four times higher than that of intact and even early-spayed females. Additionally, 6% of females spayed after 12 months were affected with mast cell cancer, while there were zero cases among the intact females. These results are similar to other studies. The more recent Vizsla study found that spayed females had significantly higher rates of hemangiosarcoma (nine times higher) than intact females. They also found that spayed/neutered dogs were 3.5% more likely to suffer mast cell cancer and 4.3 times more likely to suffer lymphoma. (M. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD et al., Evaluation of the risk and age of onset of cancer and behavioral disorders in gonadectomized Vizslas. JAVMA, Vol244, No.3, February 1, 2014)

15 SPAYED vs INTACT: In fact, the incidence of all cancers in spayed females was 6.5 times - higher and in neutered males was 3.6 times higher than intact dogs. YOUNG DOGS: They also found that the younger the dogs were spayed/neutered, the younger they were when diagnosed with cancer. Waters et al. (Exploring mechanisms of sex differences in longevity: lifetime ovary exposure and exceptional longevity in dogs) found similar results in their study of female Rottweilers. The researchers set out to determine whether retaining the ovaries contributed to longevity. In Rottweilers, the major causes of death are sarcoma and other cancers, which account for 38% and 73% of deaths respectively. After excluding all cancer deaths, females who kept their ovaries during the first seven years of life were more than nine times more likely to reach exceptional longevity than females with the shortest ovary exposure. Although intact female dogs were more likely than males to achieve exceptional longevity, that advantage was erased with spay. 3. Spay/Neuter and Behavior Although spay/neuter had been previously linked to cognitive impairment and even a three fold risk of hypothyroidism, which often creates behavior changes, the Viszla study yielded some particularly interesting insight into this link. In the study. spayed and neutered dogs were also more likely to develop behavior disorders than intact dogs. This included: fear of storms separation anxiety fear of noises timidity

16 excitability aggression hyperactivity fear biting. ~ Another study found neutered dogs were more: aggressive fearful excitable less trainable than intact dogs (Parvene Farhoody@ M. Christine Zink, Behavioral and Physical Effects of Spaying and Neutering Domestic Dogs, May 2010) This is contrary to the popular belief that neutering reduces aggression and other behavior problems. There's Nothing Routine About Spay/Neuter These findings also present a conundrum for shelters and rescues who advocate spay/neuter. Although reducing the number of dogs in shelters is an important goal, it's more important to prevent them from ending up at the shelter. While most people believe that shelters are full because of over population, behavior problems are the most common reason owners give up their dogs. Moreover, is it fair for shelters to burden adoptive families with the increased risk of cancer and joint disease?

17 There are alternatives to the complete removal of the reproductive organs and this might play a role in reducing the risk of cancer, joint disease and behavior issues. Spay is "instant menopause" and immediately shuts off the supply of protective hormones that are obviously involved in much more than just reproduction. Modified spay/neuter surgeries have less impact on the hormones and endocrine system, so dogs will enjoy more protection, even when sterilized. Hormones produced by the reproductive organs not only are essential for reproduction, but in the development of: homeostasis body condition cholesterol levels energy levels urinary continence muscle tone cognition behavior and, most importantly, they also play a role in the immune system The rise in the risk of many cancers in response to the removal of the reproductive organs is evidence of this. OTHER OPTIONS In females, a partial spay, or ovary-sparing spay or tubal ligation are safer options. In males, vasectomy can also be a safer option. There is also a zinc injection that has recently come into favor. Hopefully this research will encourage more shelters to look into

18 ttie~e safer and less intrusive options. Finally, if your goal is to give your dog the best chance at a life free of joint disease, cancer and behavior issues, then keeping your dog intact is certainly an option. If you're thoughtful and caring enough to get this far in the article, you're certainly thoughtful enough to manage an intact dog. Simply make certain your intact male isn't allowed to wander and keep your intact female on leash for a few weeks when she is in estrus. Removing a significant part of your dog's endocrine system should be anything but routine. As research continues to show the damning results of spay/neuter, it's certainly in your dog's best interests for you to consider these three important reasons to keep your best friend just the way mother nature made him.

19 ., ADLER STEIN KENNELS Purchase Contract This agreement is made, and hereby entered into, on this day of by and between Adler Stein Kennels, (hereafter referred to as " Seller"), and, (hereafter referred to as " Buyer"), for the purpose of setting forth the terms and conditions of the purchase by the Buyer of a purebred German Shepherd from the litter whelped on outof Name of Sire: AKC# NameofDrun: AKC# NameofPuppy AKC# The Seller agrees to sell and the Buyer agrees to buy one male female German Shepherd Dog, (hereinafter "animal") from the above-described litter. The Seller warrants that the above-described animal is in good health and free of communicable diseases at the time Buyer assumes ownership. Buyer agrees to have animal examined by a licensed Veterinarian within 72 hours, (not including weekends or holidays), of receipt of animal. Proof of inspection will be required prior to the Seller forwarding AKC registration papers to Buyer. If as a result of the examination, the Veterinarian determines that the animal is not in good health, then the Buyer shall elect to keep the animal or return the animal to the Seller for a refund. If the Buyer elects to return the animal, the Buyer shall within 10 (ten) days after the date of the signing of this contract, send to the Seller, by certified mail, a written Veterinarian certificate stating that the animal was in ill health when examined. Upon receipt of the animal, The Seller shall be obligated to refund all monies received from Buyer toward the purchase of the animal, and further performance under this contract shall be null and void. All action taken to return the animal shall be with the best interest of the animal in mind, including temperature at time of shipment, non-stop flights, etc. The Buyer is completely satisfied and waives any and all claims regarding the animal's conformation and outward appearance. (Thus meaning that the animal is of the German Shepherd Dog breed standard set forth by the WUSV at this age.) The Buyer agrees to maintain preventative health care of the animal including, but not limited to: inoculations, internal as well as external parasites, heartworm preventative medication. The Buyer agrees to maintain preventative care of the animal in regards to hip dysplasia, such as proper nutrition, maintaining the animal at the proper weight, proper exercise, and preventing stress injuries, (i.e. not allowing the animal to jump heights taller than itself at the shoulder, no forced exercise such as running until at least 18 months of age.) Initial of Buyer:. Ownership of the animal shall be transferred to the Buyer for the sale price of$ to be paid in full on or before. Only after the full amount of the agreed upon amount is paid, may the animal be removed from the Sellers premises. The seller agrees to pay a deposit of$ before the date of. If the deposit is left unpaid by the agreed upon date, this agreement shall be canceled at the Seller's option and the Buyer shall forfeit the deposit given hereafter. If, in the event an animal from the described litter is not accepted by the Buyer, the deposit will be used toward the purchase of a animal from the next available litter. If in the event the puppy is returned for reasons other than health, the animal will be replaced by one of equal value from the next available litter. In this event, it is understood by the buyer that there will be no refund of monies. The Buyer agrees that this animal will not be used for breeding purposes until it is at least 24 months of age to another German Shepherd, (which must meet the following criteria as well), either registered with the AKC or other certified dog registry, (SV, CKC), and ONLY after it has passed the following and has proof thereof: OFA certification for both hips and elbows. X-rays ofthe animal's back confirming no spine problems. A complete Veterinary examination confirming the dog is in good overall health at the time ofbreeding.

20 Has at least passed a SchH 1 or equivelent, is a certifed worlcing PSD, Service or Assistance Dog, has earned a Herding title or is SAR certified, confirming that the dog is of sound temperament and worlcing ability. The AKC registration will be limited until such time as the animal meets the requirements in this section and the Seller agrees that the animal is of the accepted quality for breeding. Should the Buyer breed the animal before ALL of the requirements listed in this section are met, the Buyer acknowledges the Seller's right to execute their right to repossess the animal that this contract pertains to. Initials ofbuyer.in the event the animal is sold as a worlcing or breeding prospect, the following will apply: The animal will be replaced by a healthy animal of equal value if diagnosed with hip dysplasia at two years of age. The buyer understands and accepts that there will be no refund of monies. This diagnosis must be accompanied by statements from a Veterinarian who specializes in this type ofveterinary practice and by a written evaluation by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). There will be no exceptions to this clause. Initials of Buyer. Companion animals will be sold with the following warranty. The animal will be replaced by one of equal value if diagnosed with crippling hip dysplasia before one year of age. The buyer understands and accepts that there will be no refund of monies. This diagnosis must be accompanied by statements from a Veterinarian who specializes in this type ofveterinary practice and by a written evaluation by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). There will be no exceptions to this clause. Initial of Buyer It is agreed that the animal will not be neutered before twenty- four, (24) months of age unless agreed upon by the Seller. If the animal is neutered during this twenty four, (24), month period, the contract will become null and void and the Seller will be released from all obligations under this contract. This includes delivery of AKC registration papers and all warranties listed in this contract. The animal will be replaced by a healthy animal of equal value if diagnosed with any life threatening genetic defects for the lifetime of the dog. This diagnosis must be accompanied by statements from two neutral Veterinarians. The seller reserves the right to seek a diagnosis from a Veterinarian of their choice. The Buyer agrees that he/she is not acting as or in part of, an agent in the purchase of this animal and that the Buyer will not sell this animal or its progeny to any agent, pet store, or guard dog business. The Buyer agrees that should it become nen ssary to sell or otherwise place this animal, the Buyer will notit)' the Selkr before taking such action so that the animal may, at the Seller's option, bt' re-purchased hy the Seller. The re-purchase price shall be agreed upon by the buyer and seller at the time of re-purchase. Upon notification, thl' Seller shall han 14 working days to exercise said re-purchase option. Exercise shall be no tin in writing to Buyer. lfthe Seller chooses not to exercise said rt' purchase option, Seller will retain the right to approve or refuse the sale of the animal to any secondar:v Buyer. This clause must be exercised in the event the buyer can no longer care for the animal. ~OTE: Legal action will result if said animal is placed in an /\nimal Shelter or Rescue without first notifying the St ller. The Buyer agrees that the Seller may repossess the animal upon evidence of neglect and I or abuse at no expense to the Seller, and no refund of any monies. The Buyer agrees that the animal will NOT be left alone in a backyard or kennel ONLY. The Buyer agrees that the animal will reside at the home of the Buyer, and have access to a fenced yard, and not be chained or" tied out", (see section 13) This animal is sold with the understanding that it is to go to a select home, to be socialized properly, and become a member of the family. This agreement is made and signed by both parties to insure the well-being and protection ofthis animal. If any part of this agreement is breached, the Seller is released from any further obligations hereunder. Seller Date

21 Find a Retailer My Account Cart Support> Pet Proofing > Sprayshield Animal Deterrent Spray Support SprayShield Animal Deterrent Spray PTA view all SKUs Downloads SprayShield Animal Deterrent Download Spray Manual (180 KB} FAQs FAQs Can SprayShield be used as a training aid?

22 Can SprayShield be used to defend against an attack by another human? Can the spray be harmful to my pet or family? No. The spray solution has been found to be extremely safe and poses no danger to animals or humans. The active ingredient is a natural essential oil that has been used in human, animal, and environmental applications for thousands of years. Although it can cause discomfort in certain individuals with allergies to citronella, it is considered safe for the vast majority of people and animals. Close Can the spray harm the dog's eyes? This would be highly unlikely. The citronella solution is buffered to minimize any discomfort should it get into the eyes. However, as with any aerosol product, the spray should not be aimed directly into the eyes. Close How many sprays are in a can? Trusted Support Call Customer Care for live help Mon.- Fri. Sam-8 pm Sat. 9 am SpmET Free phone support Online help database Step-by-step manuals Send us an Is SprayShield as effective as pepper spray at stopping attacking dogs? Yes. When sampled at the Canine Aggression Research Center, it was found to be as effective on moderately aggressive dogs as other personal defense products including 10% pepper spray solution. Close Batteries, Collars, &

23 What are the primary advantages of using SprayShield? Accessories It will effectively deter low to moderately agitated dogs without increasing aggression. Other personal defense products such as pepper spray and mace have been proven to increase aggressive behavior in dogs. A second notable advantage over other spray deterrent products is the absence of harmful blowback that can incapacitate the user and make the user even more vulnerable. Close Who should use SprayShield? SprayShield is designed to be used by kennel employees, animal control officers, utility workers, meter readers, delivery personnel, joggers, bicyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen, or anyone who may potentially come in contact with a moderately aggressive dog. Close Will SprayShield deter any attacking dog? back to top

24 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK