The German Animal Welfare Federation is calling on pet owners not to take their animals to events or dress them up during the coming carnival days. Costumes or accessories may look cute, but they are not appropriate for animals. They restrict freedom of movement, pose a risk of injury and lead to misleading communication with other animals.
“You shouldn't force an animal to wear a costume just because you think it's cute or funny. If you respect your pet, you respect its needs. Furthermore, carnival is a celebration for people - animals should not be turned into props,” says Nina Brakebusch, a consultant at the German Animal Welfare Federation.
Carnival parades and meetings can also cause fear and stress in dogs that are taken along. “The crowds and the noise are not for dogs,” says Brakebusch. Carnival events should therefore be avoided with animals. The German Animal Welfare Association also advises against taking photos of your pet in costume at home and sharing them on social media. “The humanization that is practiced on social media with photos and videos of dressed-up animals also makes people forget the real needs of animals and leads to imitators. This is particularly critical when likes and follower numbers come to the fore and the welfare of the animal loses focus,” says Brakebusch.
COSTUMES LEAD TO MISUNDERSTOOD BODY LANGUAGE
Dogs, cats and other pets communicate with other animals using body language, among other things. Costumes that cover the back, ears or tail restrict this. Raised neck hairs or the movement of the ears and tail cannot be shown and perceived properly. Nor can fear or threatening behaviour by another animal or human be properly recognized.
COSTUME MATERIALS UNSUITABLE FOR ANIMALS
Many costume materials also contain substances that can be toxic to animals. For example, if the animal puts a costume item in its mouth, there is a risk that parts of it will be swallowed or harmful substances ingested. Allergic reactions to certain materials cannot be ruled out either. There is also a risk of strangulation.
