Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what further steps can be taken under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to help protect the health of domestic dogs during hot weather.

Animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA and Dogs Trust provide helpful advice on how to look after dogs in hot weather, often promoted online and through media outlets. Advice includes keeping dogs in the shade where possible, keeping dogs hydrated, testing the temperature of pavements with one’s hand before walks and encouraging safe, supervised play with water, such as in paddling pools.

In extreme cases, where an owner is endangering the health or welfare of their dog, local authorities have powers to investigate allegations of animal cruelty or poor welfare.