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Politicians unite to oppose rent-a-dog schemes |
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Tuesday, 10 June 2008 |
Members of both the Westminster and Scottish Parliaments are expressing their opposition to a plan to allow dogs for hire for use as temporary pets or companions.
Such schemes see people hiring dogs to walk or to take to social events and are common in the US. Similar businesses have been established in London and there are plans for an expansion to Glasgow.
Labour David Drew MP has tabled a motion in Parliament opposing the trend. Stroud says:
“Dogs are not jewellery or dinner suits to be used for a day and then returned, they are animals that have an exceptionally strong bond with people and require a stable home environment.”
Lib Dem MSP Robert Brown has tabled a similar motion in the Scottish Parliament condemning the idea, arguing:
“I am shocked that dog rental businesses describe themselves as a service targeted at dog-lovers. Dog renting is an idea which will horrify most dog owners and dog lovers and encourages irresponsible attitudes towards dogs.”
The Kennel Club also opposes the renting out of dogs, with spokesperson Caroline Kisko saying:
“When someone rents out a dog their main interest is their own enjoyment, not the welfare of the dog. Like us, dog rental businesses should be encouraging dog lovers to volunteer to walk dogs for their local re-homing centre – for free – rather than charging up to £4,800 a year for the privilege. Responsible owners realise that dogs require consistency as well as companionship, and that changes to routine can cause behavioural problems. Worryingly, the business in question, FlexPetz, promises to rent out only dogs aged 2-5 years with nothing said about the welfare of the dogs once they pass this age.”
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