In Italy, yoga enthusiasts have started going to studios that offer “puppy yoga” classes. But the Ministry of Health put an end to this growing trend, after banning the use of puppies to protect the health and well-being of animals, reports The Guardian, according to News.ro.
The ministry has announced that only adult dogs can be used for “animal-assisted” wellness activities, including yoga.
The ministry said it was informed by organizations that “directly contact dog breeders” to temporarily use puppies for yoga sessions.
Animal rights groups called for a ban after Italian media reports revealed alleged mistreatment of the puppies.
Piera Rosati, president of LNDC Animal Protection, stated that these puppies were exploited for commercial purposes.
“Yoga, at least in theory, should not only be a physical exercise practice, but also a spiritual one, seeking harmony with the universe,” she said. “But this harmony and well-being is not granted to puppies who are used as objects to do business.”
Giusy D’Angelo, a dog expert at Italy’s national animal protection council, said people could become so overwhelmed by emotions after being around puppies that they risk making an impulsive decision to adopt one. “It can lead them to make a decision without really considering the implications,” she said.
Dog yoga, also known as doga, has become increasingly popular around the world, with proponents saying the presence of the animals enhances the sense of calm that accompanies the exercise. Puppies roam the studios and are there to give hugs rather than perform yoga moves.
“There are many reasons why people do puppy yoga,” said Francesco Di Turi, manager of Puppy Yoga Official, which organizes puppy yoga in gyms and studios across Italy.
“Some may simply want the contact with an animal because they don’t have one at home, while there are others who suffer from illnesses and find that an hour of practice really helps them relax.”
According to the company’s website, all its courses organized before the ban came into force on April 29, were sold out.
“This measure makes no sense,” said Di Turi. “Nobody ever came to check what actually happens during a course. It will have an impact on many people – we have over 80 employees and since April 29 we have not worked. Trying to do that with adult dogs is much more complex.”
But not all yogis enjoy working with dogs. Amity Neumeister, who owns the Zem yoga studio in Rome, hosted puppies for a session. “It was too chaotic,” she said. “We spent a lot of time running and cleaning up after them”.
