Submitted on Thursday 22nd July 2021
Rejected on Tuesday 27th July 2021
Current status: Rejected
Rejection code: already-happening (see below for details)
Make walking a dog in temperatures in excess of 20° illegal
Dogs are at real risk of heat stroke at temperatures over 20° and pavements absorb heat and can reach temperatures of around 50° resulting in serious burns to their paws. Owners who subject their dogs to this should be charged with animal cruelty as they are disregarding their animal's welfare.
The recent heatwave has highlighted the lack of care many owners have for their dog's wellbeing and something needs to be done to stop them subjecting their dogs to this cruelty.
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The Government e-Petitions Team gave the following reason:
We understand you're concerned about the welfare of dogs in hot weather, however 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.
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: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/697953/pb13333-cop-dogs-091204.pdf
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.
If you're concerned about a specific incident, you may wish to report it directly to the RSPCA: www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty
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