Com.Com for SKG: Not every dog is a bastard

For the first time, SKG is launching an information campaign whose content is aimed at both dog owners and non-dog owners. The initiative is deliberately provocative, surprising and emotional. "Let's talk about it", is the challenge. Every year, around 60,000 tons of dog waste are produced in Switzerland, picked up and disposed of by dog owners. Sometimes it is the few poops that are left lying around that ruin the image of an entire dog population and their owners. "We see the campaign as an invitation to a dialog between non-dog owners and dog owners who use nature together," says SKG Central President Hansueli Beer, who - as he admits - can get "extremely annoyed" about litter left by the roadside and in picnic areas. "Littering is a real problem - regardless of whether it's empty beer cans or piles of dog excrement."

It explains: "An aluminum can has a half-life of 716,000 years - dog excrement a maximum of 46.5 days. That doesn't excuse anything, but it should make us think together." Because: "Not every dog is a dirty dog," emphasizes Hansueli Beer, and Andreas Rogger, the new SKG Managing Director, summarizes the core concern of the initiative in two sentences: "Dialogue instead of bias - understanding instead of prejudice. Let's meet as friends."

Tolerance instead of hate

The very topical subject of poisoned bait is also included. The 16-page brochure in A4 format (Link PDF) next to a picture of an X-ray of a dog's belly on which a razor blade is clearly visible: "Admittedly: A bad reputation and a notched enemy image make dogs and dog owners unappealing to many people and a target of hatred. That's why some resort to the last resort - extermination! In doing so, they endanger every form of life."

Andreas Rogger emphasizes: "It was very important to us not to work with accusations or admonishing fingers in the campaign, but to offer a basis for conversation between people and a more understanding way of dealing with each other." According to the motto: "Tolerance and intelligence as a solution."

The role of the SKG

With this campaign, the SKG is positioning itself as a point of contact for anyone interested in dogs: "All courses, information and events offered by the SKG are aimed at current and former dog owners as well as family members of dog owners and anyone who wants information about keeping, caring for and generally dealing with dogs." He continues: "The aim is to break down prejudices and show how to behave. Knowledge reduces prejudices and correct behavior towards dogs reduces risks. The classic win-win situation."

The "Sauhund" initiative was first presented within the association at the presidents' conference in Aarau in mid-January 2016, followed by a public launch at the dog trade fair in Winterthur in February 2016. The Swiss Association of Municipalities is also on board. It is sending the brochures to all municipal administrations in Switzerland - with a link to the website Skg.ch for the purchase of further brochures and/or posters.
Creation and realization of the campaign: Leo Gesess, Com.Com.