PETA urges Delaware lawmakers to consider dog-walking requirement, sparking debate on animal welfare

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An animal rights organization is urging Delaware lawmakers to consider a proposal that would require dog guardians to walk their dogs three times a day — including one walk lasting at least an hour. Supporters say the move would help meet dogs’ physical and mental needs, but some dog owners question if it’s realistic.

The proposal comes from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, which says the effort is meant to raise awareness about responsible pet care rather than impose strict enforcement.

Rachel Bellis, director of local affairs in PETA’s Cruelty Investigations Department, said Delaware was chosen intentionally.

“We chose Delaware because they have already set a very positive example by naming the rescue dog as its official state dog,” she said. “And Delaware has just passed an animal abuse offenders list. And so we thought that this would be a great opportunity for Delaware to set another wonderful example.”

PETA has sent a proposal letter to Senate Majority Leader Brian Townsend, Bettis said, with the goal of starting a conversation with lawmakers about animal welfare standards.

The organization views daily walks as a basic necessity –– not a luxury — for mental stimulation.

“For many dogs, a walk is the only time they get to relieve themselves, get some exercise and explore the sights and sounds and smells of the neighborhood. It’s very important for dogs to be able to sniff,” she said. “Dogs, they rely on us for everything. Three walks a day is very little in return to the dogs, who give us so much love and affection.”

The rights group is not pushing for constant monitoring or strict policing, especially when different dogs have different needs. However, they are open to discussing modifications.

“Every suggested bill is modified to some point … so of course we would be willing to discuss that if the legislators were serious about it,” Bellis said. “Obviously, if you have an elderly dog or a dog that has some mental or physical needs, maybe they can’t do three walks a day, but generally speaking, three walks a day is not much to ask.”

Dog owner weighs in

Lourens Loock, a Wilmington resident and dog owner, said frequent outings are already part of the routine with his 3-year-old corgi, Benjamin, though the proposed one-hour walk raises concerns about weather and scheduling.

“I feel like it’s good to take the dog out more often than not,” Lock said. “Obviously, they have a little bit smaller bladders, so they do get full, but I think an hour might be a little bit too long just depending on the weather and stuff.”

“Sometimes it might be hard to get an hour in the day just depending on the schedule,” he added. “Between my wife and I, I would say he probably goes out about five times a day.”

Loock added that while staying active is important –– especially for corgis, which are prone to becoming overweight –– flexibility is key.

“So them actually being active is good,” he said. “But I feel like it is a little unrealistic to have to walk a dog for an hour … I feel like the 30 minutes might be better.”

PETA points to international examples, including Italy, where dog-walking requirements already exist, and hopes Delaware could become the first state to adopt a similar measure.

Whether Delaware lawmakers will choose to pursue the proposal remains unclear. Bellis said the organization’s primary goal is to encourage pet owners to think more intentionally about what dogs need to thrive — physically and mentally.