Puppy Yoga Banned In Italy As Animal Lovers Maintain Downward-Facing Posture

Photo 179976624 © Southworks Stock | Dreamstime.com

Italy has become the first country in the world to ban puppy yoga classes. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Health in late April, was made out of concern for the well-being of the animals involved.

Puppy yoga typically involves adorable, rambunctious pups roaming freely around a yoga class. Sometimes, the playful balls of fur even join in on the yoga poses in a lighthearted attempt to enhance the experience, or playtime follows the class to allow for some cuddles.

However, the Italian Ministry of Health throws cold water on this practice, citing concerns that puppy yoga might actually be detrimental, not beneficial, to the animals’ well-being.

The ministry views puppy yoga as a form of “animal-assisted therapy,” a practice that, by law in Italy, can only be carried out by fully grown animals. It believes puppy yoga falls under this category because it aims to “improve wellbeing” through interaction with the animals. The government has asked regional authorities to carry out checks to ensure puppy yoga classes do not take place.

Italy’s National Board for Animal Protection has welcomed the decision. Describing puppy yoga as a “physically and mentally stressful experience,” dog expert Giusy D’Angelo further cautions fitness enthusiasts not to be won over by the cuteness and make impulsive adoption decisions without fully considering the responsibility of pet ownership.

[via Boing Boing, BBC, Metro.co.uk, cover photo 179976624 © Southworks Stock | Dreamstime.com]