RSPCA delight as Netherlands one step closer to banning puppy yoga

News that the Netherlands is one step closer to banning puppy yoga has been met with delight from the RSPCA, which has long raised concerns over the welfare of dogs during classes.

Puppy yoga was banned in Italy last month – and now the Netherlands is set to follow suit due to welfare concerns.

The practice is a so-called wellness trend where litters of puppies are drafted in to join human yoga classes. Many puppy yoga organisers say the classes help socialise the young animals, but animal welfare groups like the RSPCA are concerned that it is not good for the puppies’ welfare.

Pieter Adema, the county’s Agriculture Minister, told Dutch newspaper Provinciale Zeeuwse Courant: “It serves no purpose. Puppies are at an early stage of their development, it is important for their behaviour later that they can now rest and sleep a lot. I want to say to people who signed up for these kinds of crazy practices: think again. Do you really want this?”

The RSPCA has welcomed the developments in the Netherlands – and hopes it will encourage other countries to follow suit and take action against the practice, which can prove detrimental to puppy welfare.

Esme Wheeler, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “We agree with Mr Adema that puppy yoga serves no purpose. If the Netherlands is to ban it, especially so soon after Italy’s ban, then it sends a strong message across the continent and the wider world that puppy yoga is not an acceptable activity for the dogs. 

“Sadly, puppy yoga has gained more traction as time has gone on, with people thinking that it is ‘cute’ – but the puppies – sometimes younger than eight weeks – can be overwhelmed and frightened. It can have such a detrimental effect on their welfare, and we’re really worried the popularity of this trend is being fuelled by social media.

“Many puppy yoga organisers say the classes help socialise the animals, but this isn’t socialisation in any sense. Puppy socialisation needs to be carried out gradually, where exposure to various experiences, people and other animals is controlled and calm. Not doing so can have a negative effect on the puppy.”

In April, a report from a UK parliamentary committee raised concerns about puppy yoga, and that the welfare of underage and potentially unvaccinated puppies in a setting may be detrimental to their health and wellbeing.

“‘Think again’ is the message we want to get across to people,” said Esme. “If you are invited to go to a puppy yoga class, think about the stress it will cause the puppies.

“We would say to anyone who wants to go to a puppy yoga class to give it a miss. A puppy-free yoga class will be much more relaxing, and you’ll be safe in the knowledge that no puppies are getting stressed out. If you really want to stroke some puppies, get in touch with your local RSPCA branch as they may need volunteers to help with animals!”