The Blue Cross has advised competitors and spectators planning to attend its annual horse show on Sunday, 1 July to leave their dogs at home, in compliance with British Equestrian Federation FMD guidelines.
Amanda Bustin, show organiser and stable manager at the Blue Cross Burford, explained: “Dogs are normally welcome but, because of the FMD crisis, they are not permitted on the show ground this year.”
In light of these restrictions,the charity, which also re-homes small animals, is concerned about the welfare of any dogs brought to the event.
Mandy Jones, Blue Cross regional small animal centre manager, said: “We strongly advise people not to bring dogs to the show as they will not be allowed onto the grounds and it is extremely dangerous to leave them unattended in cars in hot weather.
“If competitors are unable to leave their dogs at home, however, they are permitted to bring them to the horsebox park where, depending on the individual dog, they could be tied up to trailers and horseboxes as long as they are checked frequently.”
