Dogs Trust Merseyside and RNLI team up to keep the nation's dogs safe at the beach this summer

AS millions of families flock to the seaside to make the most of the warm weather, 2 of the UK's leading charities; Dogs Trust Merseyside and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI); have teamed up to ensure our canine friends and their owners stay safe on the coast this summer.

It's thought that a 3rd of all UK households now own a dog, and in 2022 the RNLI rescued 164 of these dogs around the UK's coastlines. So far this year the charity that saves lives at sea has plucked dogs from the waves, rescued stricken puppies trapped on coastal ledges, and canines cut off by the tide.

To reduce the number of incidents involving dogs on the UK's coast, Dogs Trust and the RNLI have published some guidance to help dogs and their owners to enjoy the seaside safely together this summer.

Before you head out to the beach or on a coastal walk, it's essential that you always check the weather and tide times, and avoid taking your dog out in high temperatures. While most dog lovers will be aware that extreme weather and heatwaves can be dangerous; sometimes even deadly; for dogs, many will be unaware that exercising dogs in early summer temperatures as low as 21 degrees can cause heatstroke in dogs.

Dogs can't regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, so extra care needs to be taken in hot weather. If dogs are too hot and can't reduce their body temperature enough, they may develop heatstroke which can be fatal.

Dogs Trust and the RNLI's Top Tips for Seaside Success....

If you are happy that the weather is suitable for your dog, Dogs Trust and RNLI offer the following advice to help you enjoy a trip to the seaside with your four legged friend:-

Check that the beach you are visiting allows dogs. Some beaches have a dog free policy at times of the year, and others have dog-free areas. But don't worry; there are plenty of dog friendly beaches all around the UK so you can enjoy the joy of the beach with your canine friends.
Make sure you keep your dog on a lead if you are close to cliff edges or fast flowing water. If you are on the beach and your dog has not yet mastered the art of recall, make sure you keep them on a lead. Long training leads will give your dog the freedom to explore while helping to keep them safe..
Before you head out for a walk with your dog on the coast, always check the tide times and plan your trip accordingly to ensure you don't get stranded. Tide times and heights fluctuate throughout the month so an area that was accessible throughout the day last week may get completely cut off today.
Dogs love spending time in the sand, digging and exploring. But before you take your dog on the beach, check that the sand isn't too hot. If you can stand on it comfortably barefoot then it should be ok for them too.
Provide shade and fresh drinking water for your dog all day, and pack some tasty treats so you can swap any unsuitable items your pup picks up on the beach for a dog friendly snack!
Don't let them get burnt. Keep your dog out of direct sunlight where you can. Use pet safe sun cream on exposed parts of your dog's skin, like the tips of their ears and nose. Ask your vet for more advice if needed.
Dogs shouldn't drink sea water as it can cause sickness and saltwater poisoning. Also keep a close eye on them to make sure they're not eating anything they shouldn't such as seaweed or plastic. Call the local vet if they do.
After being on the beach, rinse any sand and seawater off your dog's coat and paws with tap water to stop it from accumulating and causing irritation.
If your dog goes into the water, over a cliff edge or gets stuck in mud, don't go after them. Move to a place your dog can reach safely and call them. If you're worried about your dog, call:- 999 or 112, and ask for the Coastguard. The RNLI treats stricken pets the same as it does humans, and will always launch to assist if they can.
Dogs should never be left alone in cars as even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal. On a day that sees temperatures of 22"C or above outside, the temperature inside a car could rise by 11 degrees in just 10 minutes and as dogs can't cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them. If you see a dog in a car in distress, the charity advises that members of the public call:- 999.

Hannah Duerden, part of the Community Engagement Team, at Dogs Trust, says:- "Many dogs love to visit the beach, with the sea and the sand providing lots of enrichment and fun for them. However, as RNLI stats show, dogs can get into trouble on trips to the coast, so it's important to take some basic steps to keep them safe, including keeping them on their leads near cliff tops, ensuring they have access to shade and fresh water and making sure the sand is not too hot for them to walk on. But keeping our dogs safe at the coast starts before you even leave home. Always check the weather forecast, and if it's too warm, stay at home. Heat stroke makes dogs very poorly, and in some cases can prove fatal."

Lewis Arnold, Lifeboat Coxswain at RNLI Newhaven Lifeboat Station said:- "As a dog owner, I know how much people's pets mean to them, so I understand what's at stake when we are being called out to rescue a dog. We will always launch the lifeboat if there is an animal in trouble on the coast, but there are a few things you can do to make sure it's not yours that we are going to save. Keep your dog on a lead when near cliff edges, harbour sides, or fast-flowing water, and if they do fall or enter the water unexpectedly don't go in yourself. If you move to somewhere safe and call them, they will probably get out by themselves. If you are worried about your dog, call:- 999 and ask for the Coastguard; don't go after them and put yourself in danger."

If you are stuck for help numbers for travel advice and information, or to contact other services, like the local NHS Hospitals, you can use our new:- 'Useful Information' page on:- MerseyReporter.Com.

�3.9 million investment in Rape and Sexual Abuse Support specialist services in the North West

ON 3 August 2023, victims of rape and sexual violence within the North West will now be better supported following a �3.9 million investment in specialist services from the UK Government.

The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund (RASASF), initially launched in 2011, is part of the Government's commitment to quadruple funding for victim support services by 2025 compared to 2010.

Projects set to be funded for the next 2 years as a direct result of today's cash boost include:-

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis, which offers female only support including specialised services for ethnic minority women and survivors of sexual abuse in a religious setting.
We are Survivors, a male specific support provider offering a very survivor centred approach.
Trafford Rape Crisis, which offers holistic support including specific programmes for Black and minoritised women.

The news comes as new figures show the Government has achieved its 3rd and final ambition in its landmark:- 'End to End Rape Review' 18 months ahead of target; restoring Crown Prosecution Service charges to 2016 levels.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk KC, said:- "I'm pleased that all 3 2021 Rape Review ambitions have been met so far ahead of schedule. There is more work to do, but this milestone demonstrates real progress in strengthening justice for victims of these appalling crimes. This continued funding means we can continue our work to ensure victims of sexual abuse across the North West receive the support that is so vital to recovery."

Victims have benefitted from funded support services for over 10 years thanks to the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund, which was recently extended as 1 of the commitments in the Government's Rape Review.

The fund was informed by rape victims to better understand their experiences and what they want from support services, helping to inform the commissioning of future support for victims.

62 grants have been awarded to organisations across the country to offer victims tailored support programmes, including counselling and therapeutic services, advocacy, outreach, and group activities.

Minister for Victims at the Ministry of Justice, Ed Argar, said:- "We are determined that, alongside this Government's clear focus and progress on ensuring more criminals who commit rape and sexual offences face justice, victims and survivors of these dreadful crimes get the support they need. The funding announced today helps ensure that charities and organisations up and down the country are able to continue doing their vital work helping victims of these crimes."

Duncan Craig OBE, Chief Executive Officer of We Are Survivors, said:- "We are over the moon to be in receipt of a grant of �746,843 over the next 2 years from the MOJ RASASF grant. This money will really help us meet the continuing growing demand of male survivors here in a city marred by the biggest rape case in British legal history, all victims whom were male. We asked for investment in our efforts to support men speaking out by increasing the number of therapy sessions and multiplying the spaces available; we asked for investment to help us continue to support male survivors to build communities; and we asked for investment to help us deliver support to those survivors entering and going through the criminal justice system as they spend longer in it. We expect to see a 35% increase in requests for support over the next 2 years and this award enables us to get well underway with meeting that increased need."

Anne Stebbings, CEO of Greater Manchester Rape Crisis, said:- "Greater Manchester Rape Crisis asked a group of survivors to tell us the difference the services funded by the MOJ have made to their lives. These are some of their responses:- 'Because of this funding I'm not alone;' 'I have lived another year;' I have hope;' 'I have a voice!'"

The funding comes as the latest CPS data shows charges for adult rape cases increased to 567 in the latest quarter, (January; March 2023), 5% over the 2016 quarterly average and Rape Review ambition of 538. This means the Government has already met all 3 key ambitions in the Rape Review ahead of schedule; restoring the number of Police referrals, CPS charges and cases reaching Court to 2016 levels.

In July all 43 Police forces across England and Wales, and all rape prosecutors across the country, began implementing a new approach to dealing with rape and other serious sexual offences, ensuring forces conduct thorough investigations which put the focus on the suspect and centre the rights and needs of victims.

This new approach, developed through Operation Soteria and previously piloted in 19 Police Forces and 9 Crown Prosecution Service Areas, uses academic evidence and insight to enable forces and prosecutors to transform their response to rape and serious sexual offences.

The Rape Review progress report published last month shows improvements have been made in response to rape across every stage of the criminal justice system and, crucially, data suggests more and more victims are reporting these abhorrent crimes to the Police; demonstrating an increase in victim confidence.

Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, said:- "Rape is an abhorrent crime and this Government has not shied away from the fact that that victims of sexual violence have been failed by the criminal justice system. I have been clear that we must transform the way these investigations are handled, to make sure that all victims have the best support possible throughout the entire process. That is why we have funded an ambitious programme, Operation Soteria, to transform the way that rape investigations and prosecutions are handled and progressed. All 43 Police forces and all CPS areas across England and Wales are implementing the new National Operating Models developed through the programme. Alongside the �26m announcement, I have given over �8 million to support Police forces keep improving their response to rape and the service they provide to victims, ensuring investigations focus on the suspect, and never on seeking to undermine the account of the victim."

A �1.2 million training programme has also been launched for Independent Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Advisors who provide emotional and practical support to victims. The Government is funding 1,000 of these posts and the training to make sure these vulnerable victims get better help and stay engaged with the criminal justice system.

In January 2023, a competition opened allowing organisations to bid for up to �26 million. This complements additional RASASF funding for the 5 Police and Crime Commissioner:- 'test areas' (London (MOPAC), Cambridgeshire, Nottinghamshire, Hampshire and Essex), where the MoJ is testing devolving this funding locally.

The full list of winners in the North West are:-