Dog welfare crisis looming post-pandemic, The Kennel Club suggests
Research shows that 59 per cent of Brits want places to be more open for dogs.
New research suggests a looming welfare crisis for dogs post-pandemic, The Kennel Club says.
The research shows that the 'pandemic owners', those who bought their dogs in lockdown, now fear that they can't provide a suitable home for their pets now that lockdown has eased, unless public spaces become more dog-friendly.
Released this week by The Kennel Club, the research shows that almost a quarter (23 per cent) of all owners fear that they may no longer be able to provide a home which fits their dogs' needs after lockdown, with nearly one in five (17 per cent) saying that they have considered rehoming as an option, with close to one in three Brits worrying about the abandonment of the dogs purchased during lockdown.
The research also shows that more than one in three dog owners (36 per cent) now say that they are concerned about their pets wellbeing and behaviour when they have to be left alone.
Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club, said: “This new research worryingly shows that if dogs can’t go to places with their owners, and fit their lifestyle post-pandemic, some will be left home alone for too long, or even sadly rehomed or abandoned.
“These consequences could be quite devastating for the nation’s dogs, who frankly don’t deserve to be left behind after being a lifeline for so many during lockdown.”
Following this research, The Kennel Club has launched its Open for Dogs campaign, which urges more businesses, establishments, and workplaces to consider the benefits of being dog-friendly. The campaign provides advice, tools, and resources for this, to help businesses consider whether this could be right for them.
Bill Lambert added: “Following a year of lockdown restrictions impacting business, dog-friendly policies can also reap economic benefits across the board – according to our research more than one in two owners claim they would happily stay longer and spend more if their dog was with them whilst out socialising at a pub, café or restaurant.
“While there may have been some short-sighted puppy buying decisions made during the pandemic, as a dog-loving nation we must look at the bigger picture and encourage more places to welcome dogs, capitalise on the benefits and ‘paw it back’, easing our four-legged friends out of lockdown, opening up more widely for their re-entry to ‘normal’ life, and celebrating their positive place within our society.
“Dogs should be a part of our lives and daily routines as much as possible, and we hope to see the UK being as faithful to dogs as they are, and have been, to us.”
More information about the Open for Dogs campaign can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/openfordogs
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
