My beloved dog Bo, a 5-year-old border collie, was out doing what she loved best: going on walks and adventures. In a normal world, this should be an absolutely safe activity. But clearly, this world is not normal. During one of our walks at Beamish Museum, Bo drank from a public water bowl. What should have been a routine refreshment tragically resulted in acute kidney failure due to antifreeze poisoning. Despite our efforts and four weeks of flushing her kidneys, she had to be euthanized. Our family is shattered, and the heartache of losing her in such a preventable manner is overwhelming.

Public drinking bowls are meant to provide convenience for pet owners and refreshment for their pets, but they can also become hazards. Not just intentionally, but even unintentionally, they can harbor toxic substances, bacteria, or accumulated dirt that pose serious health risks to animals. A simple walk should not become a death sentence.

We need to rethink the presence of public drinking bowls and consider the potential danger they pose. Removing them could prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families. Dog owners should be encouraged to bring their own water to ensure their pets' safety, which is a small change for the peace of mind it offers.

Statistics show that antifreeze poisoning in pets is still a significant issue, with the ASPCA reporting thousands of cases each year. This often occurs due to innocent lapses in safety protocols or acts of malice. Why take the chance when it's avoidable?

Let's advocate for the removal of public drinking bowls for dogs. Together, we can push local councils and pet-friendly establishments to take notice and make necessary changes that prioritize the safety of our beloved pets over convenience.

Please sign this petition to help prevent more tragedies and ensure a safer world for our pets.