Could influencer-inspired puppy yoga be shut down in Britain? Animal ... trends now
Animal campaigners are calling for puppy yoga to be banned in Britain, saying the controversial wellness trend beloved by influencers leaves the pups more likely to catch diseases, increases their anxiety and can even cause them to mistrust humans.
The demands for action come the day after Italy's Ministry of Health banned the practice on animal welfare grounds, stating only adult dogs should take part in order to protect the health of animals and the safety of those who attend.
The often-instagrammed activity - which sees litters of puppies drafted in to human yoga classes - has been routinely criticised by animal rights groups over concerns for the dogs' welfare.
An ITV investigation last year exposed exploitative puppy yoga practices such as not allowing the animals access to water to prevent them from weeing on the practicing yogis, as well keeping them in hot rooms.
The loud environments and constant handling by customers also prevent the pups from getting their much-needed 18-20 hours of sleep.
Campaigners and dog experts say these conditions can cause lifelong issues for the puppies - who have been found in some cases to be younger than eight weeks old.
Pictured: Ex-Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison at a puppy yoga class in 2019
Megan Barton Hanson from Love Island at a puppy yoga class. Organiser Paws for Thought shares photos of celebs attending their classes
ITV filmed footage inside puppy yoga sessions as part of an investigation that has raised animal welfare concerns
The RSPCA said it hopes that Italy's ban sends a message to people in England and Wales who still take part in the activity.
Esme Wheeler, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: 'We should all want to see pets kept safe - but the RSPCA has been concerned for a long time that puppy yoga classes are not good for the puppies' welfare.
'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.
'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.
'Only last month, a report from the EFRA parliamentary committee raised concerns about puppy yoga, and that the welfare of underage and potentially unvaccinated puppies in a setting may be detrimental to their health and wellbeing.
'We hope the ban on puppy yoga in Italy sends a strong message to anyone considering attending one in this country to stay away.'
The reality TV star is seen stretching alongside the dogs and sometimes incorporating them into her poses
At one class hosted in Essex, puppies were placed in a small, warm room for an hour-long class without any water. They were seen trying to leave the room but prevented from doing so
Footage shows dogs trying to sleep in the corner of a room before being repeatedly picked up and moved towards the customers
The Puppy Yoga industry first boomed in the UK after being featured on TOWIE and Made In Chelsea.
Celebrities such as ex-Geordie Shore starlet Vicky Pattison have been photographed leaving puppy yoga classes, while scores of influencers publicise the sessions by posting photos on social media.
As of last summer, there were more than 25 companies advertising classes across the UK for up to £43 a pop.
The classes, which advertise their stress-busting benefits, feature puppies roaming from one mat to the next and sometimes being incorporated into yoga poses. Dogs are obtained through local breeders or animal shelters.
However, ITV revealed a darker side to the practice in a documentary last year.
At one £43 class hosted by The Bully Barn Essex in Wickford, puppies were placed in a small, warm room for an hour-long class without any water.
When an undercover reporter asked whether the puppies had access to water, the teacher said: 'No, no, it might make them pee more.'
Puppies were seen attempting to leave the room on several occasions but not permitted to.
In some studios, puppies as young as six and a half weeks old were used - contrary to statutory guidance which states that dogs should not leave their mother until at least eight weeks old.
Italy's new ban mandates that only adult dogs should take part in the pet-friendly yoga sessions to protect the health of animals as well as the safety of attendees.
Its Ministry of Health has asked regional authorities to carry out checks to ensure puppy yoga classes do not take place.
