The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has issued a statement after more than 10,000 people signed a petition calling for it to be made illegal to walk dogs during extreme heat.
The UK has seen four heatwaves so far this summer, and animal organisations have warned of the dangers that heat can pose to pets, particularly dogs. The RSPCA urges owners to walk dogs early in the morning or late in the evening, provide constant shade, check that the ground is cool enough for their paws, and look out for warning signs of heatstroke.
The petition, launched on April 24, calls on the Government to introduce legislation to make it an offence to walk or exercise dogs during dangerously high temperatures, defined as 25°C and above, to protect them from heatstroke and burned paws.
It reads: "Every year in the UK, dogs suffer and die from preventable heat-related illnesses. Many owners are unaware that dogs cannot regulate their body temperature effectively and can overheat within minutes. Hot pavements can also cause severe burns to dogs' paws."
The petition adds that the legislation would "help prevent unnecessary suffering, raise awareness, and hold owners accountable for avoidable harm."
Government response
After reaching 10,000 signatures, the Government issued a formal response in which it said pets are protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
A spokesperson for Defra said: "Legislation and guidance already protects pets during extreme heat".
The response says that under the Act, it is an offence to cause any animal unnecessary suffering or fail to provide for its welfare. Anyone caring for an animal must provide for its welfare needs, including protection from extreme temperatures.
Code of practice
Defra said the 2006 Act is supported by the Government's Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, which advises that dogs are vulnerable to heat stress and that owners should avoid exercising them in extreme heat where possible.
"Breach of a provision of the Code is not an offence in itself," Defra said. However, if proceedings are brought against a person for an offence under the 2006 Act, the court will consider whether they have complied with the relevant Code.
Failing to comply with the 2006 Act can result in imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the Act, often working with welfare charities such as the RSPCA.
Advice and conclusion
The statement encourages owners to understand their pets' needs by following advice from organisations including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Association.
"Advice includes keeping dogs in the shade where possible, keeping dogs hydrated, testing the temperature of pavements with one's hand before walks and encouraging safe, supervised play with water," Defra said.
The statement concludes: "A blanket ban on walking dogs during periods of hot weather could, in some circumstances, be detrimental to their welfare. For example, some dogs may still benefit from a short period outside to meet their toileting needs, provided that it can be undertaken safely, for example on a cool surface or shaded area."
"It is therefore important for owners to consider the needs of individual dogs, and legal protections are already in place to ensure the welfare needs of animals are considered."
