Puppy yoga has become increasingly popular over the years for the stress-free environment the cute animals make but one country has completely banned it.
Italy’s Ministry of Health insists only adult dogs should take part to protect the health of the puppies.
But what is puppy yoga for those who are not in the know?
It does what it says on the tin. Puppies usually roam around freely while humans take their time to de-stress and practice yoga.
The puppies can sometimes even get involved in the yoga poses or some classes involve playtime with puppies afterwards.
But the health ministry in Italy has ordered local authorities to carry out checks to make sure puppies are no longer involved in the classes.
It says puppy yoga ‘improves wellbeing’ and it should be considered as a kind of ‘animal assisted therapy’ – which by law can only be carried out by fully grown animals.
Italy’s National Board for Animal Protection has welcomed the news and quoted dog expert Giusy D’Angelo, who says puppy yoga is ‘physically and mentally stressful experience’ for the animals.
She fears people who attend puppy yoga will get ahead of themselves and potentially end up adopting some puppies.
Ms D’Angelo said: ‘People are overtaken by a wave of emotion after experiencing sensations of wellbeing from the close proximity to the puppies.
‘This can lead them to make a decision without really thinking through the implications and the consequences.’
She also warned yoga class organisers do not give puppies enough water and are often transported incorrectly.
‘This type of activity is detrimental to the dogs’ wellbeing and only brings financial advantages to those who run the classes,’ Ms D’Angelo added.
It is not just in Italy where puppies wellbeing is being put at the forefront of people’s minds.
The UK’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) urged people to consider alternative activities to puppy yoga last July.
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