Nearly half of UK dog owners fear being marginalised, a survey finds

A survey of 2,000 dog owners in the UK has found that almost half fear that they will be pushed into overcrowded dog friendly areas as local authorities close public spaces to dogs.

The Kennel Club, who carried out the survey, have warned that welfare issues could increase as a result of these dog bans.

Secretary of the club, Caroline Kisko, says: "An increase in dog bans and places becoming less dog friendly gives way to a whole new set of issues, including putting dogs’ welfare at risk as owners are forced to leave their dogs in cars, or tied up outside shops and pubs, putting them at risk of being frightened or stolen."

Of those owners to take part in the survey, 42 per cent said they feared being marginalised by society, while a quarter reported that previously dog friendly shops were now less so.

Nearly one in five owners said the same of pubs, with 40 per cent saying that, all in all, attitudes towards dogs had worsened in terms of places to go, causing frustration when they try to take their pets out with them for the day.

Interestingly, the Kennel Club reports that in other research it has found that dog owners spend 22 per cent more per month on eating out and drinking in pubs and restaurants than non-dog owners.

More than half of these owners also said they would use their local shops and services more often if their dogs were allowed in. The Kennel Club says businesses who do not allow dogs in are missing out on the so-called "hound pound".

Along with the release of these findings, the Kennel Club has this week launched Open for Dogs Week, which runs until October 4, in order to encourage businesses to trial a dog friendly policy.

“The Kennel Club wants to see the UK being as faithful to dogs as they are to us," Caroline explains.

"We are encouraging businesses and workplaces across the UK to open their doors to dogs for the week to experience the many wonderful benefits that being around dogs can bring.”