dog rental service slammed in parliament

Back in March, we reported on a new company from America called FlexPetz, which was set up to rent out dogs. The outfit, which has been widely condemned as irresponsible, has now opened an operation in London, and the issue has already been raised in Parliament.

Labour MP David Drew has expressed concern about FlexPetz, saying: "Dogs are not jewellery or dinner suits to be used for a day and then returned”. He has raised a motion in the House of Commons calling for the Government to take action against the company under the Animal Welfare Act, as follows:
"That this House expresses concern about the operation of the dog rental company, FlexPetz, which has opened in London with the intention to expand to various cities across the United Kingdom; acknowledges that the UK dog rental business is currently very small but recognises the potential for its growth due to the increase in fashion accessory dogs; disapproves of causing distress to dogs as a result of them being rented out to numerous people; believes that this encourages irresponsible attitudes to dog ownership; further believes that dog renting is, or should be, a breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in that it is highly likely to inhibit dogs from having the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns; further disapproves of renting dogs for profit; calls on the Government to take action to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act; and thanks the Kennel Club for drawing attention to this issue."

The motion has the early backing of several MPs, and is also attracting attention from the Scottish Parliament as FlexPetx intends to expand to Glasgow. Robert Brown MSP said: "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."

FlexPetz enables a person to rent a dog for an hour at a time to take on walks or to parties, and was started in Los Angeles. Kennel Club spokesperson Caroline Kisko said: "When someone rents out a dog their main interest is their own enjoyment, not the welfare of the dog. Responsible owners realise that dogs require consistency as well as companionship, and that changes to routine can cause behavioural problems."

Clinical Behaviourist Dr Emily Blackwell of the University of Bristol backed up these opinions, stating: "Our research suggests that inconsistency in owner behaviour is associated with an increased number of problematic behaviours in pet dogs. Being passed back and forth between a number of homes may therefore have an adverse impact upon a dog's welfare."

Personally speaking, I find the whole idea of renting a dog a little obscene. To me, a dog or any other animal is not a lifestyle accessory and should be treated with total respect. You wouldn’t rent a child, so why a dog?

TO COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE, CLICK HERE



BACK TO NEWS INDEX >>>

Posted: 10 June 2008