The RSPCA has welcomed new government guidelines for dog walkers amid ongoing lockdown restrictions.
Advice for pet owners was updated this week explaining people with dogs are permitted to go out more than once a day to exercise their canine companion.
However, it is worth noting the UK Government still advise people to “limit this where possible” and should still maintain the 2-metre rule when walking your dog.
Advice on the Government website explains that you will be able to leave the house to walk your dog covered by exemptions for animal welfare and exercise.
The Government guidelines say you may leave the house to walk your dog under four conditions.
- by yourself
- with the people you live with
- with your support bubble (if you’re legally permitted to form one)
- or, when on your own in a public outdoor space, with one person from another household
England has been under a national lockdown since 5 January – and people may only exercise outside the home once a day. However, the RSPCA says the decision to relax this so pet owners can meet the exercise needs of their dogs locally is a “common sense approach”.
In Wales, where national alert level four restrictions have been in force since December 20 there remains no limit on how often someone may exercise. However, people must not travel for exercise, including dog walking – which must start and begin from home.
Dr Samantha Gaines, the RSPCA’s head of companion animals, said: “The RSPCA really welcomes this important new guidance for England from the UK Government, which is a common sense approach for dog owners and their pets.
“Under these rules, dog walkers may now go out more than once a day to meet the exercise needs of their dogs.
“This stops the rules penalising dogs living with one person – and also ensures more consistency with lockdown rules in Wales, where there is no cap on how many times someone may walk their dog. Exercise in Wales must start and stop from the home.”
She added: “We all must do our bit to stop coronavirus – so it’s important people understand the restrictions and keep local.
“Keeping dogs on leads at this time can help ensure social distancing, and will avoid owners unnecessarily coming into contact with one another should a pet need to be retrieved.”
Rules for dog owners in England
- People can go out for exercise more than once daily if you need to walk your dog – but should limit this where possible.
- People should not travel outside of the local area to exercise.
- If you are self-isolating, use your garden as a place for your dog to toilet and play.
- Someone else may be able to help walk your dog, but must follow advice.
Rules for dog owners in Wales
- There is no limit on how often someone may exercise.
- People should not travel at all for exercise, including dog walking. It must start and begin from home.
- If you are self-isolating, use your garden as a place for your dog to toilet and play.
- Someone else may be able to help walk your dog, but must follow advice.
— to www.echo-news.co.uk
