More than 30,000 sign petition calling for people who walk dogs during a heatwave to be fined

A petition calling for fines for all those who walk their dogs during heatwaves has surpassed 30,000 signatures. 

The petition was launched by twenty-five year old Paige Spearman, who wants owners to refrain from walking their pets in temperatures above 20 degrees celsius.

In her Change.org description, she explained: “Far too many family fur babies die every year from heat stroke due to negligence, and ignorance. A dogs average body temperature is 38/39° so anything over 40/41° can become fatal if not recognised quickly.

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“I believe fines should be enforceable if ANYONE is seen walking a dog in 20° heat and over by the police. As well as people speaking up and calling the police if they see this happening but with supporting evidence.”

She went on to explain that, because tarmac takes a couple of hours to cool down after being in direct sunlight, the only appropriate time to walk a dog on a hot day is in the early evening – and even then, water should always be on hand.

At the time of writing, Paige’s petition has reached 30,491 signatures – it needs 100,000 for the topic to be debated in parliament.

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The petition comes as the country continues to be gripped by a heatwave, with has seen temperature highs of 31 degrees celsius; while this hot weather may be a treat for most of us, for our dogs, it can be deadly.

Dogs are unable to regulate their body temperatures as well as we do; panting is the only way a dog can cool down and, sadly, it isn’t enough to stop them from overheating.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting and excessive drooling. They may appear lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, or collapse and vomit in extreme circumstances.

The RSPCA advises people to dial 999 immediately if an animal starts displaying these symptoms.