Almost two-thirds of female dog owners express fear about walking their pets at night in winter due to concerns over personal safety, a recent study reveals.
The research shows that 61% of women reduce their dog-walking activities during winter evenings, citing issues such as poorly lit streets, lack of safe walking paths, and worries about drunk and anti-social behavior as primary reasons. This reduction in walks results in dogs missing out on up to 30 minutes of exercise daily, totaling almost 3.5 hours per week.
The safety apprehension is notably high in Greater London, where 78% of women have felt uneasy during nighttime walks. Following closely are Belfast (76%), Brighton (70%), Wales (69%), and the South East (64%).
To address these concerns, YuMOVE, the UK’s top vet-recommended joint supplement brand, collaborated with WalkSafe to organize the inaugural ‘NightWalkies’ event in Bury St Edmunds. The event aims to empower women and their furry companions to reclaim the night by promoting shared community walks for safety and exercise.
Fiona Hope, CEO of YuMOVE, emphasizes the importance of NightWalkies in encouraging women to feel secure while ensuring their dogs stay active and healthy throughout the winter. The initiative seeks to foster a national trend of organized walks that enhance both women’s safety and dogs’ well-being during darker evenings.
Hope invites women to participate in NightWalkies, connecting with their communities and ensuring their dogs receive optimal exercise for joint health and overall wellness. The NightWalkies Toolkit, developed in partnership with WalkSafe, is available for download on the YuMOVE website to make the initiative accessible to all women.
By prioritizing safety and exercise, NightWalkies aims to provide a platform for women to enjoy winter walks with their dogs, fostering a supportive and active community for all participants.
