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Dog owners who dress up their pets could face prosecution
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 1:22 PM on 13th January 2009

The RSPCA is threatening legal action against dog owners who 'over-dress' their pets.

Officials claim that putting on items such as boots, all-in-one trousers and hoodies, could be harmful to dogs and lead to prosecution for owners if they feel an animal's welfare is at risk.

Canine couture is big business and the increasing trend among owners to dress their pets fashionably has even led to top designers including Vivienne Westwood and Ben de Lisi creating dog outfits.

The luxury Harrods store in London also has an annual fashion show called Pet-a-Porter where canines take to a 'dog-walk' and parade in a variety of daring outfits.

Experts said there are a few occasions where dog clothing is acceptable, such as with small dogs and short-haired varieties.
Jess Bland, professional dog walker and pet sitter from My Pet Friend, said: '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.

'There is a case that they need coats in the winter, especially shorter-haired dogs and smaller dogs.'
However, Lynn Williams, founder of dog charity Happy Dogs said: '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.

Photos and comments are here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...l?ITO=1490

I don't know -- boots can be very valuable over rough terrain, or in snow.

PrairieGirl Wrote:I don't know -- boots can be very valuable over rough terrain, or in snow.

I was just thinking that!

By all means, tell sled dog owners in the Arctic not to put leather boots on their dogs to protect their feet and I'll bet you'll have an entire culture laughing at you

Now, I do dress my dog in a jacket in the winter (mostly 'cause it rains from November to March and Wet Dog is not a haute couture scent!) but I do see how some people could take it too far, as in dressing up dogs as mini-me's or as fashion accessories, versus treating them as a living, breathing animal.

All the joys of a living doll, but without stretch marks or exorbitant financial strain, I guess.

I was also thinking the boots thing, and I certainly don't get people that dress up their animals (see http://dogsinoutfits.com/ ) but there are far worse crimes being committed against animals.
In fact, I was just complaining today about people who buy new outfits for their dogs, especially little dogs, and spoil them rotten. People seem to forget that little dogs are still dogs and need discipline and leadership before they need coddling.

Even so, there are far more people who are not taking care of their animals at all, so instead of going after those who spoil them in ways that we don't agree with, why not go after the real issues? Is pet overpopulation not an issue there? Are their shelters empty? If so- they need to send their secrets over here.

If not, they need to put their resources and energy toward the *real* problems.

I don't think they are saying they want to take boots away from sled dogs. Here in the UK where I live, there is hardly a need to put boots on dogs. Some people put coats on their dogs, which is not a big deal. I agree that they need to go after more of the "real" problems though.

We bought boots for Villain to wear when he swims (so he won't cut himself) and they lasted all of 10 minutes before he managed to take all of them off and lose one! What a waste of money.

Sadie will not tolerate the boots. Mutlucks is the brand we tried. She walks like a drunken sailor.
Right now, I am thinking about digging out her fleece jacket for when she goes out tonight to potty. (the one and only "outfit" she owns, not counting her banadas) She is a shorthaired dog and has been getting cold the last two nights. And tonight it is suppose to drop below freezing - not counting windchill.


I agree. There are far worse things happening to animals than a doting owner who is a bit fruity but obviously cares enough to get non-essentials for their pet.

Maybe I'm a dog-fashion purist, but I don't believe in dressing my mutts in anything at all. It gets pretty fricken' cold here, but I'm confident my dogs will be just fine. After all, what did dogs do 50 years ago before we began dressing them in miniature L.L. Bean sweaters?