Yahoo Finance Official new advice about dog walking in lockdown announced by government
The RSPCA has welcomed new guidance from the government, which allows owners to walk their dogs more than once a day during lockdown as long as they 'limit this where possible'.
While households are encouraged to only leave their homes once a day for exercise, there were concerns many dog owners would struggle to give their pups the walks they need — especially if they are without a garden.
The dog welfare charity, which recently called on councils around the UK to temporarily ease locally-imposed rules on where dogs can be walked, has said this decision is a 'common sense approach' which avoids discriminating against dogs in single-person households.
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.'
For up-to-date advice on walking your dog, head over to gov.uk.
What are the dog walking rules in England?
People can go out to exercise more than once daily if they need to walk their 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.
What are the dog walking rules 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 at 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.
'We all must do our bit to stop the coronavirus outbreak – so it's important people understand the restrictions and keep local,' Dr Gaines adds. '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.'
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