Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will provide guidance on the welfare of animals during a hosepipe bans.

Defra’s Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, Cats and Horses advise owners about the importance of temperature control to avoid them becoming too hot or too cold, as well as not leaving them in unsuitable places like conservatories and vehicles during hot weather.

Animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA and Dogs Trust, and the British Veterinary Association provide advice to owners on how to look after pets in hot weather. Advice includes keeping animals in the shade where possible, keeping them hydrated, going for walks when it’s cooler and testing the temperature of pavements with one’s hand before walks.