Dog show organizers have been criticized for continuing with their outdoor event yesterday despite blistering temperatures and health warnings.
Temperatures reached 29C amid health warnings issued by the RSPCA and an orange weather warning of extreme heat in Dorset announced by the With Office.
Consequently, many shows in the area canceled the dog elements of their events – but the Bournemouth Championship Dog Show got underway anyway.
Owners and their pets had to hide under tents without any air conditioning during the event.
Before the dog show took place, outraged and concerned local residents and animal experts had already expressed concerns about the dogs’ health during a heat wave.
Temperatures hit 29C amid health warnings issued by the RSPCA and an orange weather warning of extreme heat in Dorset announced by the Met Office – but Bournemouth Championship Dog Show started anyway
Prior to the dog show, outraged and concerned local residents and animal experts had already expressed concerns about the health of the dogs (not one of the participants pictured) during a heat wave
On Thursday, the organizers posted on Facebook: ‘We are all ready to welcome you tomorrow at our first Open Show & the Championship Show on Saturday. The show is definitely NOT cancelled!!!
‘We have a lovely cooling breeze and lots of shady spots. We will also have some cool water pools for your dogs to paddle (or you if you like!).’
Angry pet owners headed to the comments section, beaming the event because it’s “stupid and selfish and irresponsible.”
Someone wrote: ‘There is now an Amber warning by the Met Office of Extreme Heat of 36 degrees hopefully it won’t be that hot, years ago I nearly lost a my champion dog at a Welsh KC Championship Show from heat exhaustion. Never again would I take a dog in extreme heat for a piece of cardboard.’
Another said: ‘Dogs can still suffer from heat stroke, even in the shade, if the shade is in the form of tents, there will be no breeze in them.
“It’s up to the individual whether they take their dog, but putting your dog on the line for your own vanity and ego to possibly win a show class is just sheer stupidity and selfishness!”
A third added: ‘Absolutely shocked that the Bournemouth Dog Show is going on in this heat.
“I hope that animal welfare and veterinarians are there to deal with possible disasters. And not to me, please. Those tents are like ovens, no matter how many doors are open.’
Owners and their pets were forced to hide under tents without any air conditioning during the event
Under intense fire, the dog show tried to justify its stance, explaining ‘the show is not on tarmac’ and that they have facilities such as on-site cool baths for animals attending the event
Under intense fire, the dog show tried to justify its stance by explaining that “the show is not on tarmac” and that they have facilities such as on-site cool baths for animals attending the event.
Meanwhile, some social media users came in defense of the dog show.
One of them commented: ‘Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Africa etc. always go on. As many have said above…everyone knows their own dog.
‘If you don’t want to go, don’t go! Don’t turn people off for going or the hardworking committee that puts on these shows… they do it for free!’
Another added: ‘There is one very clear answer for those who think it’s wrong: just don’t go and leave everyone else to have the common sense to make sure their dogs are kept cool and comfortable, as I did recently. seen at the shows.
“Worry about the pets walking their dogs on the curb, worry about dogs being cooped up in warm homes – not people who are used to always looking after their dogs’ welfare!!!!!”
Esme Wheeler, canine welfare expert at the RSPCA, shared: The Dorset Echo“We are concerned about dog shows taking place during the heat wave and urge organizers to prioritize dog welfare and consider reschedule or cancel.
“The warm weather has gone from glorious to extreme and we cannot stress enough how important it is for pet owners to take the situation seriously.
“That means limiting or skipping walks, taking only very essential car journeys, keeping water available at all times, preparing damp, cold towels and mats and frozen treats.
“We are still getting reports of dogs being left in cars and we see many dogs being taken to busy outdoor events such as festivals, shows and parties, and to the beach.
“Don’t be that person who drags his panting dog down the sidewalk or plods through a show. Please leave them at home in the cool where they are safe.
“Knowing how to prevent heatstroke, as well as how to recognize the signs of heatstroke in pets, can be a matter of life and death, so we urge everyone with a pet – be it a dog or cat, a rabbit or guinea pig is pigs, and even chickens, horses and exotic animals – to set aside some time today to read and make plans.’