Italy has banned puppy yoga on animal welfare grounds, because the RSPCA requires the courses to be halted within the UK.
The occasions, which contain puppies roaming round and being dealt with throughout yoga courses, have exploded in recognition in recent years.
From Made in Chelsea to The Only Way is Essex, a number of the prime actuality reveals have attended most of these courses – with prospects paying as much as £40 a session.
But undercover filming by ITV News’ Sam Leader discovered puppies as young as six weeks old being denied access to water, sleep and labored for hours at a time in the course of the classes in July final yr.
Many have referred to as for puppy yoga to be banned after an ITV News investigation in July discovered the newborn dogs had been being put at “serious risk” in courses, Correspondent Dan Hewitt experiences
As properly as puppies being picked up and dealt with after they had been resting.
The RSPCA and The Kennel Club each stated the courses ought to be banned after seeing the ITV News investigation.
This week, Italy’s Ministry of Health banned the observe on animal welfare grounds, stating solely grownup dogs ought to participate to be able to defend the well being of animals and the protection of those that attend.
Esme Wheeler, canine welfare professional on the RSPCA, stated: “Sadly, puppy yoga has gained more traction as time has gone on, with people thinking that it is ‘cute’ – but the puppies – sometimes younger than eight weeks – can be overwhelmed and frightened.
“It can have such a detrimental effect on their welfare, but we’re really worried the popularity of this trend is being fuelled by social media.
Undercover filming at ‘Puppy Yoga Essex’ hosted by The Bully Barn, shared in July 2023
“Many puppy yoga organisers say the classes help socialise the animals, but socialisation needs to be carried out gradually, where exposure to various experiences, people and other animals is controlled and calm. Not doing so can have a negative effect on the puppy.
“We hope the ban on puppy yoga in Italy sends a strong message to anyone considering attending one in this country to stay away.”
Last month, a report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs parliamentary committee raised issues about puppy yoga.
It stated the welfare of underage and probably unvaccinated puppies within the yoga class setting could also be detrimental to their well being and wellbeing.
Dr Neil Hudson MP FRCVS, Member of the EFRA Select Committee and the one veterinary surgeon within the House of Commons stated: “It is really welcome that Italy has taken the step to ban puppy yoga. Although it sounds nice and benign, this practice often uses underage and potentially unvaccinated puppies and raises real concerns for their health and welfare.
“Our EFRA Select Committee looked at this and made recommendations in our recent Report on Pet and Welfare Abuse for the Government to look at regulating this or indeed banning the practice.
“The developments in Italy add weight to the case for banning this unacceptable practice here in the UK.”
Anyone who has issues about puppy yoga enterprises of their space is urged to contact their native council, the RSPCA advises.
Puppy Yoga Essex in Wickford, operated by The Bully Barn, the place ITV News filmed declined to touch upon the findings of our investigation in July.
Puppy Yoga Nottingham, Puppy Yoga Liverpool, and Puppy Yoga UK didn’t reply to our repeated requests for remark which ITV News made in July.
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