A dog walker from Surrey has voiced concerns that professionals in the field were not adequately consulted prior to the implementation of new regulations restricting the number of dogs that can be walked simultaneously.
Reigate and Banstead Borough Council has enacted new rules limiting dog walkers to a maximum of four dogs at any given time. The decision follows a review prompted by persistent concerns from residents regarding dog management in the area.
In response to the new limits, nearly 500 individuals have signed a petition urging the council to reconsider and raise the cap back to six dogs. Karen Fry, a local dog walker, highlighted the essential service that dog walkers provide, not just to pet owners, but also to essential workers, including those in the NHS and fire brigade.
“It’s a need, it’s a service, and they want good, reliable people,” Fry told BBC Radio Surrey, emphasizing the community’s reliance on professional dog walkers.
Fry criticized the council for not seeking input from dog walking professionals, stating, “Nobody asked the right questions.” She noted that dog walkers have expressed a desire to be licensed and regulated by the council to ensure standards and accountability in their services.
The RSPCA has stated that it recommends no more than four dogs be walked at a time, aligning with the council’s new limit. The council claims that the decision was supported by 80% of respondents in a recent survey, which revealed ongoing concerns from residents about the ability of dog walkers to manage large groups.
“The change was proposed following ongoing concerns raised by residents about dog walkers being able to control groups of dogs,” the council stated. They further noted that the new limit is endorsed by both the RSPCA and pet business insurers.
To ease the transition, the council plans to implement advisory enforcement, primarily through its dog warden or joint enforcement team officers. Initially, dog walkers will receive reminders about the new rules rather than immediate fines for non-compliance.
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