A FEMALE business chief executive has set up a night time dog walking group aimed at women after a survey revealed 62 per cent take their pets out less after the clocks go back.
Female dog owners said they fear more for their safety when the nights get darker.
And 83 per cent said that as a result, their dogs get up to 30 minutes less walking each day as they spend less time outside in the dark, according to the survey on behalf of pet health company YuMOVE.
Fiona Hope, who runs the company, started the NightWalkies group, to help women get out with their dogs even after dark.
Fiona, from Suffolk, said: “When women feel safer, dogs can enjoy more of the exercise that keeps them healthy and happy.
“NightWalkies is about connection – women looking out for each other, building confidence, and keeping our four-legged friends thriving through the darker months.”
Personal safety was cited as the biggest concern by 61 per cent of women.
This was followed by 57 per cent of those surveyed who have concerns around poorly lit streets and lack of safe walking routes.
Over half (54 per cent) also said they worry about drunk or anti-social behaviour during after-dark strolls with their pooch.
Now, Fiona is encouraging female dog walkers in other areas to start their own local NightWalkies groups, supported by journey sharing app WalkSafe.
Fiona said: “NightWalkies is a simple idea based on a confronting fact – that women dog owners walk their dogs less than men, often because they feel unsafe in the dark.
“We’d all prefer that wasn’t the case, so this is a way to connect with other women in your community whilst ensuring your dog is happy and healthy all winter long.
“So, grab your friends, neighbours or start a local group and join your fellow dog walkers to enjoy walkies all winter long.”
For more information go to: https://yumove.co.uk/pages/nightwalkies
