Animal rights group wants dog-walking law in Delaware

A national animal rights group has reached out to Democratic leadership asking them to pass a dog-walking bill requiring three walks per day, one of which must be at least an hour long.

“We hope you’ll agree it’s time to run with our suggestion and become the first state to guarantee a fundamental right of three walks per day for Delaware’s dogs. You’d be in good company – in Turin, Italy, for example, guardians face fines of up to €500 (about $579) if they fail to walk their dogs three times a day,” wrote Ingrid Newkirk, founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

In the letter sent Dec. 1 to Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend, D-Newark, with copies sent to Senate President Pro Tem David P. Sokola, D-Newark, Speaker of the House Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, D-New Castle, and House Majority Leader Rep. Kerri Eveyln Harris, D-Dover, Newkirk outlines a host of health issues linked with failure to walk a dog on a regular basis.

“Regular walks are also essential for dogs’ physical and mental health. Walks provide necessary exercise that helps dogs maintain healthy joints and body weight, thereby decreasing their risk of developing issues such as heart disease and diabetes. While backyard play is pawsome, daily walks ensure that dogs are exposed to a variety of enriching sights, sounds, and smells. The absence of quality walks can lead to boredom, anxiety, depression, and even aggression,” Newkirk wrote.

Senate leadership had no comment at this time.