Fine dog owners taking their dogs for walks during high temperatures

Rejected 10 signatures

What the petition asks

Owners will continue to expose their dogs to walks in high temperatures unless a fining system is put in place to stop it.

Dogs are continually put at risk during the summer months when temperatures exceed 20 degrees. Not only are owners exposing them to burnt paws but also to the risk of heat stroke.

Dogs should only be walked in the early morning or early evening when temperatures are cooler

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

Decisions about investigating alleged animal welfare offences and prosecuting these are a matter for the police and Crown Prosecution Service, not the Government or House of Commons.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 already makes it an offence if a person causes, by act or omission, an animal to suffer. This would cover suffering caused by taking a dog for a walk in excessive heat. Fines can be issued for these types of offences, as well as prison sentences.

The Government's code of practice for the welfare of dogs, which provides owners and keepers with information on how to meet the welfare needs of their animals, and can be used in courts as evidence in cases brought before them relating to poor welfare, specifically highlights the risks of heat stress: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/697953/pb13333-cop-dogs-091204.pdf

If you're concerned about a specific incident, you may wish to report it directly to the RSPCA: https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty

Timeline

25 Jun 2023	Petition opened for signatures
29 Jun 2023	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 10

Status Rejected

Rejected 29 Jun 2023

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