A petition has been launched by professional dog walkers after a ban was introduced on commercial dog walking at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, which is owned by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. The petition has already garnered over 500 signatures, calling for the ban to be reversed.
Background:
The decision to prohibit commercial dog walking was made after complaints from individual dog walkers who reported incidents of dogs being attacked by other animals, particularly those walked by commercial dog walkers. The Showground, which spans 340 acres, has been a popular spot for professional dog walkers, some of whom had been using the land for up to 17 years.
Key Points:
Commercial Dog Walkers’ Concerns:
Linda Riding, a long-time commercial dog walker, criticized the ban, saying it was unfair and that the signs went up overnight without prior notice.
She expressed concern that the public’s ability to socialize dogs had been negatively impacted. Many dog owners would previously walk their dogs alongside her groups, and now that is no longer possible.
She suggested a “code of conduct” for commercial dog walkers, where they could agree to certain rules to ensure safety and avoid issues.
Limitations After the Ban:
While nearby Hookstone Wood remains open to commercial dog walkers, its narrow footpaths and limited open space make it a less suitable option for providing the dogs with proper exercise.
Complaints from the Public:
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society had received complaints from the public about dog attacks and unsupervised behavior from dogs walked by commercial dog walkers.
There were instances where several vans arrived at once, leading to as many as 30 dogs being walked at the same time, overwhelming the area.
Response from the Landowner:
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s CEO, Allister Nixon, said they welcomed responsible dog walkers but needed to address the issue of large numbers of commercial dog walkers arriving daily. He mentioned having up to eight vans with 12 dogs per van, leading to potential issues with safety and dog control.
The Way Forward:
The Society’s approach now focuses on restricting commercial dog walkers from using the Showground while still allowing non-commercial dog owners to use public footpaths and bridleways.
Conclusion:
While the ban is intended to improve safety and reduce the number of complaints, it has angered many commercial dog walkers who feel it is unfairly impacting their businesses and the community. The ongoing petition and suggested code of conduct may provide a potential middle ground if considered by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
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