Mutt-erly mad (From Bournemouth Echo)

Mutt-erly mad

7:00pm Monday 12th January 2009

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DORSET RSPCA is warning dog owners who dress up their pets they are putting their animals’ welfare at risk.

The organisation also claims the fad of dressing dogs in fashionable clothing could even lead to owners being prosecuted.

Canine couture is big business and there is a dizzying array of products available such as boots, pyjamas, all-in-one trousers and even hoodies for dogs.

If you search hard enough on the internet you can even find more barking animal fancy dress such as Elvis Presley jump-suits and pirate costumes.

Top fashion designers, including Vivienne Westwood and Ben de Lisi, have also created dog designs, while the London store Harrods has an annual fashion show called Pet-a-Porter.

Experts believe there are a few occasions where dog clothing is acceptable, such as with small dogs and shorthaired varieties.

Jess Bland, professional dog walker and pet sitter from Bournemouth’s My Pet Friend, says: “Dog clothing certainly serves its purpose when it’s cold and wet, but it has to fit properly.

“Although dogs would survive in the wild, they’re generally used to being indoors. So there is a case that they need coats in the winter, especially shorter haired dogs and smaller dogs.”

The idea of dressing up a beloved pooch as a fashion accessory angers Lynn Williams, founder of local charity Happy Dogs: “People love their pets and the retail trade has latched on to that.

“To see a little dog dressed up in boots, I think, is a little over the top.

“You can buy anything fashion wise for your dog. I have an extreme love of the dog, but I don’t like to see them dressed up as little human beings. I don’t think they like it either. It’s unnatural.”

Dorset RSPCA spokeswoman Jo Barr said: “Dog owners should be aware that under the Animal Welfare Act that came into force in April 2007 they have a duty of care to ensure that all of their pets’ needs are met.

“One of those needs is to express normal behaviour and it could mean that with restrictive clothing they are not able to do that properly.

“We’re concerned that any pet should be viewed as a fashion accessory. Taking on an animal is a long-term commitment. It’s quite humiliating and sends out the wrong message about pet care.

“We’ve seen trends in recent years brought about by the rise in celebrities with ‘handbag dogs’.

“This usually leads to people taking on pets because they are ‘fashionable’ and sadly that means many are neglected.

“We’ve had similar problems with popular films like Harry Potter, with parents wanting to buy owls as pets for their children.

“Going back further to the 1990s, we saw people unable to cope with turtles and terrapins that they’d bought due to the popularity of the film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” added Jo.

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