Dogs Are Not Jewellery For Hire

Labour MP David Drew MP has tabled an early day motion in Parliament expressing concern about the operation of the dog rental company, FlexPetz, which has opened in London. "Dogs are not jewellery or dinner suits to be used for a day and then returned," he said.

His motion (04 June 2008):

"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 currently has the backing signature of nine fellow MPs.

The Kennel Club says it is uniting MPs and MSPs in opposition to the new business that sees dogs rented out to customers for an hour at a time to take on walks or to parties. The idea has recently spread from Los Angeles to London, and is expected to expand to Glasgow.

Robert Brown MSP (Lib Dem, Glasgow Region) tabled a similar motion north of the border condemning the idea:

"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 arguments against the idea were summed up by Kennel Club spokesperson Caroline Kisko,:

"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."

She continued:

"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."

Dr Emily Blackwell, Clinical Behaviourist, University of Bristol, also commented:

"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."