Leave your dogs at home was the impassioned plea of Haddenham Steam Rally organisers as they opened the gates for the final day.
“As much as we love to see your dogs at our rally, with the weather as it is, we would suggest that you keep your dogs at home in the cool,” organisers said in a post to their Facebook group today.
It follows criticism from the public about the numbers of people who took their dogs with them to yesterday’s opening day.
It prompted the rally organisers to point out that “the committee and our on-site vet are monitoring and maintaining the welfare of the animals here as a priority.
“However, we must remind owners of dogs that it is very hot, and it is their responsibility to ensure the safety of their pets.
“We would recommend that you leave dogs at home.”
Anger at dog owners was vented during exchanges on a local community Facebook group.
“I was surprised at how many people brought their dogs yesterday” was one comment.
Another said: “I know what I’m going to ask is very controversial, but whoever organises the Haddenham steam rally, please, please ban dogs from the event on hot days.
“It is unfair for them to be out walking around in this heat. There is no real shade for them even so it’s still hot in the shade. Heat stroke and sun stroke kills dogs please take this into consideration when planning this event. Thanks”
But many agreed with this post that pointed out that “it’s not the responsibility of the Steam Rally, it’s the responsibility of the dog owners”.
Another post agreed.
“It shouldn’t be up to the organisers to ban dogs. It’s the irresponsible dog owners that drag their dogs around in this heat without a thought to them.”
One post noted that a dog died of heat stroke at the Weeting Steam Rally last year and “owners should advocate for their dogs and leave them at home!
“It’s common sense to put an animal ban on an event that is forecast a heatwave.”
Another post said: “Why on earth would you want to take a dog to a show on a hot steaming day?
“Do these people think the dogs enjoy it? I would 100% refuse these people entry and put the welfare of the dogs first.”
