'Should be banned' - Controversial puppy yoga classes land in Dublin
The classes are due to begin in Dublin City Centre after growing popular in cities like Paris and Milan
The Puppies & Yoga (P&Y) classes - which have rocketed in popularity in cities like Paris, Milan and Amsterdam - are now available in Dublin City Centre for the first time.
Each class is 60 minutes, with the first 30 minutes dedicated to the practice of yoga with a certified instructor, and the last 30 minutes for playing and cuddling with the puppies.
During class, the puppies play freely around all the students.
According to P&Y, breeders are carefully chosen, with all puppies vaccinated and weaned before participating in sessions.
However, some concerned dog lovers are against the practice due to a belief the dogs are too young and their development may be inhibited. They also have concerns about the origin of the puppies and what will happen to them when they age.
Additionally, some social media users have pointed to Ireland's current dog rehoming crisis, with shelters across the country filled with unwanted dogs.
One Facebook commenter said, "It's an absolute disgrace. Should be banned."
Another said, "This is incredibly selfish and irresponsible."
Another Facebook user commented, "This is the last thing [that] needed to be opening in current climate! There is a dog rehoming crisis at [the] moment, shelters/pounds/rescues rammed, breeders unable [to] rehome puppies so giving them to rescues!
"Puppies being dumped everywhere [sic]! This is beyond ridiculous, young puppies will be opening themselves up to illness and then if vaccinated they will be too old to find homes! Breeders can’t find homes for fluffy 10 week old puppies let alone anything older! It’s just so wrong... very cute but very wrong when you think about it."
Husky Rescue Ireland released the following statement about the classes:
"Apparently Doggy Yoga is coming to Dublin, with puppies from ethical breeders. Please know this is not right, puppies should not be used as a marketing tool or a piece of equipment. Not to mention the fall out of this issue will put more pressure on pounds and rescues who are already full and struggling to stay open.
"Please remember to adopt don’t shop, avoid this if it does come, spread the word, and make sure to read the responses in the photos."
Puppies & Yoga has been contacted for comment.