THE RSPCA has welcomed updated guidelines telling dog-owners how many times they are allowed to walk their pets during lockdown.

The charity says that people in England are allowed to exercise more than once a day "to meet the needs of their dogs".

However, for those who do not own a dog, outdoor exercise is limited to once per day.

The Argus: The RSPCA says rules for dog walkers during the coronavirus lockdown have been cleared up by the governmentThe RSPCA says rules for dog walkers during the coronavirus lockdown have been cleared up by the government

The RSPCA defined the government rules for dog walkers as follows:

  • People can go out for exercise more than once daily if they need to walk their dog - but should limit this where possible
  • People should not travel outside of their local area to exercise
  • If you are self-isolating, use your garden as a place for your dog to toilet and play
  • Someone else may be able to help walk your dog, but must follow advice (below)

The Argus: RSPCA advice on walking someone else's dogRSPCA advice on walking someone else's dog

Dr Samantha Gaines, the RSPCA's head of companion animals, said: "The RSPCA really welcomes this important new guidance for England from the UK government, which is a common sense approach for dog owners and their pets. 

"Under these rules, dog walkers may now go out more than once a day to meet the exercise needs of their dogs.

"This stops the rules penalising dogs living with one person - and also ensures more consistency with lockdown rules in Wales, where there is no cap on how many times someone may walk their dog.

"Exercise in Wales must start and stop from the home.

"We all must do our bit to stop coronavirus - so it’s important people understand the restrictions and keep local.

"Keeping dogs on leads at this time can help ensure social distancing, and will avoid owners unnecessarily coming into contact with one another should a pet need to be retrieved."

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The RSPCA is also pushing for councils across England to ease locally-imposed rules on where dogs can be exercised - known as Public Spaces Protection Orders.

"This will help ensure adequate provision of local dog walking spots during the lockdown, to help keep people in their immediate communities and prevent unnecessary travel," a spokesman for the animal charity said.