Shinichi Hamasaaki, a local government officer from the Fukuoka region of Japan Visits Rutland Dog Warden

Rutland's Dog Warden has been busy sharing his extensive knowledge of reducing numbers of stray dogs with a special guest all the way from Japan.

Shinichi Hamasaaki, a local government officer from the Fukuoka region of Japan (estimated population 5 million), spent a day with Barry Briggs recently to learn more about the approach taken to stray dogs in Rutland.

Mr. Hamasaaki is currently spending 12 months in the country on a research project and specifically requested that he included Rutland on his schedule.

Councillor Janine Rodger, Portfolio Holder for Regulatory Services commented: “It’s not often that Rutland is used as an example of how to do something for a country as big as Japan, but Dog Warden services in this country are well advanced and an example to many countries around the world”.

Councillor Rodger added: “Barry demonstrated to Mr. Hamasaaki the various methods he uses to educate people to try and reduce the numbers of stray dogs. One of the main aims of the Good Dog campaign in Rutland is to include young children through regular visits to primary schools”.

During the visit, Mr. Hamasaaki was taken to several local kennels as well as an informative trip to Rutland Water to look at the work being carried out to reduce sheep worrying around the reservoir.

To contact the Dog Warden please contact Rutland County Council on 01572 722 577.