AIBU ? Have I been unreasonable walking the dog?

[jamdonut]

In the paper today it was heralding the fact that it was now ok for people to leave the house ,more than once, in order to walk the dog.

I am (temporarily) living somewhere that has no garden, so throughout the lockdowns etc., I (and my partner) have been taking the dog out at the very least 3 times a day, so it can relieve itself. They are mostly short ,local , round-the-block type walks.

Have I been in the wrong?

I've never once seen or heard that you cannot exercise a dog, and plenty of people live in flats with no gardens round my way. Judging by the amount of people walking dogs, no-one else has, either!
I don't go to crowded places, and it's often early morning and later evening when there's no one about!!!
I hate the thought I might have been secretly judged by others for going out more than once!
And what's a poor dog supposed to do???

So - what do you think? Or is this just the press stirring things up, as usual?

Don't overthink it.

No of course not you would be neglecting the dogs welfare if you didn't!

Even if that was true what's done is done. Don't over think it.

Surely it's some sort of animal cruelty to not let it out for a wee any way?

Irrelevant as you have 'got away with it'.

That's fine

You're allowed to look after your animals. Your dog clearly needs to pee more than once a day! You're walking the dog, not licking strangers- you're fine.

Of course you need to leave the house to let the dog relieve herself. I don't think there is any limit to how often you can go out and walk, especially when the welfare of a pet is involved.

I have no garden either. During the first lockdown my husband would walk in the morning with our son and dog, one hour later I would go. Then we would go out on a sole head clearing walk each in the evening. There was no way I could stay in and I didn't go anywhere well trodden. I don't think I increased the UK R number. Crack on I say.

Or is this just the press stirring things up, as usual? This. You've always been allowed to leave the house as much as needed to care for animals.

I think you should hand yourself in

Well, your dog has to pee and poo and unless you have taught it how to use the loo, that has to be done outside. Of course YANBU.

You can leave the house to care for the welfare of animals. What do you think people with horses etc are doing? We walk our dog 3 times a day as although we have a small yard he won't wee in it for some reason.

I live in a flat and have a dog. We go out about six times a day! Just assumed it came under animal welfare and never gave it a second thought to be honest.

I walk mine twice a day and let them in garden for a wee at other times, Id continue to do what you have been doing and dont worry about it, lots will be in same situation doing the same, stay local keep your distance and theres no harm in it.

Perfectly reasonable.

I think it's fine. Your dog needs exercise. Just carry on as you are i.e. not meeting up with anybody.

No. YANBU.

Dog walking is allowed. Also, there is a general exemption for 'exercising' to allow for your health where you own 'garden' is not acceptable (or you live in a flat). Technically it's open ended as it doesn't specify the amount of times you can go out.

It's fine. But honestly, if you cross paths with many people while you are out I would seriously consider wearing a face covering. It will probably be the law soon anyway.

Walk your dog as much as it needs... or as much as you need.

It's fine and has been permitted by the rules. You haven't been doing anything wrong.