In a video posted online, Poole Independent councillor Mark Howell said: “It’s estimated that pets globally pets consume 20 per cent of the world’s meat and fish.
“A medium sized dog has the same emissions as a Toyota Land Cruiser. Some estimates say it’s twice as much and a small car has emissions similar to a cat.
Mr Howell was keen to point out he was not calling for pets to be banned.
“What I’m saying is that people need to think carefully when their animals pass away whether they need to replace them,” he said.
Mr Howell also suggested people “scale down” on the size of their pets as an alternative or even “share” their pets.
The comments have received a lot of criticism, including from fellow councillor Beverley Dunlop.
She said on Twitter: “A dog is for life, not for sharing.”
One Facebook user of Poole People user said: “I cannot believe I am watching this drivel.”
Another said: “Mark you are ridiculous.”
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