Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Make it illegal to walk dogs during extreme heat to prevent suffering and death.
Open for signatures
10,823 signatures
What the petition asks
Introduce legislation to make it an offence to walk or exercise dogs during dangerously high temperatures (i.e. 25°C and above), to protect them from heatstroke and burned paws.
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. When air temperatures reach 25°C, pavement temperatures can be significantly higher and dangerous.
Animal welfare organisations warn against walking dogs in hot weather.
We believe this legislation would help prevent unnecessary suffering, raise awareness, and hold owners accountable for avoidable harm.
Hot pavements can also cause severe burns to dogs’ paws. When air temperatures reach 25°C, pavement temperatures can be significantly higher and dangerous.
Animal welfare organisations warn against walking dogs in hot weather.
We believe this legislation would help prevent unnecessary suffering, raise awareness, and hold owners accountable for avoidable harm.
Timeline
| 24 Apr 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 14 Jul 2026 | Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response |
Key facts
Signatures
10,823
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
24 Apr 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.