Copyright dailyrecord
Halloween is a time of fun for all the family. Kids get to dress up and gorge themselves on sweets after trick-or-treating, while adults get tasty seasonal drinks and watching their favourite horror flicks. One member of the family who seems to be getting more involved in recent years is the pet . People love dressing up their furry friend in spooky costumes. And while these look cute and usually perform well on social media , they can actually be putting both the pet and the owner at risk. Autumn is always a risky time for our animals , with fireworks and storms causing many dogs extreme stress. Some owners take their pets for a drive away from the loud sounds, while others have turned to specially-designed anxiety coats that keep them calm. Those coats can help with animal anxiety at this time of year, but other items of clothing can make things far worse. Not only can they cause the pet discomfort, they can get the owner in serious trouble, according to experts. Ex-offender Grants have warned that forcing cats and dogs into fancy dress can cross the line from cute into cruelty. If the outfit is seen as causing suffering, it could lead to owners being taken to court, being fined, or even being banned from keeping animals. All pet owners have a duty of care to their furry friends under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. They must meet a pet's needs for health, comfort, and normal behaviour. If a chosen Halloween costume causes undue stress to the animal, hurts them, or stops them moving or breathing properly, it may be seen as unnecessary suffering. The experts shared five different reasons that a fancy dress outfit for your cat or dog could be putting you at risk of court sanctions. Unfamiliar or unusual clothing can frighten pets. Signs your furry friend is distressed in their strange costume include licking their lips, yawning, panting, shaking, or hiding. Pets use their ears, tails, and posture to communicate with you. Certain costumes cover or restrict these key features and can cause the animals to panic or fight. Outfits on the tighter side can restrict the pet's ability to walk, jump, or breathe normally. Flat-faced dog breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs are at increased risk due to their genetic breathing issues. As most pets already have a warm fur coat, piling extra layers on them traps more heat - especially as many costumes use synthetic fabrics. If a costume has a mask or headpiece, this can restrict the pet's vision or hearing, making them uncomfortable and raising their naxiety levels. Ex-offender Grants warned that a welfare conviction can follow people around for years and show up on background checks. This can impact certain jobs, especially those involving work with animals. The group has urged owners to avoid any risks by keeping their pets out of costumes and putting their animals first in making calm Halloween plans.
