A council in Surrey has enacted a ban on walking more than four dogs at a time. Reigate & Banstead Borough Council introduced this new regulation following a review of the previous limit of six pets, citing “ongoing concerns raised by residents” about managing large groups of dogs.
While professional dog walkers have expressed concerns that this change could significantly impact their businesses, they acknowledge the safety issues prompting the new rule. The RSPCA and pet business insurers recommend a limit of four dogs for safety reasons.
Rebecca Herrera, who operates the Little Adventures dog walking service in Reigate, indicated that the new restriction might force her to cease a job she deeply enjoys. She warned that she could lose up to £1,000 a month and might need to seek alternative employment due to the financial impact.
However, Ms. Herrera stated that she could “completely understand” the changes from a safety perspective. She told the BBC: “Many people start in this business with little experience or training, thinking it’s easy money, but managing large packs of dogs can be dangerous.”
In 2023, a tragic incident occurred when a woman died from “multiple penetrating dog bites to the neck” while walking a group of dogs at a popular location in Caterham, Surrey.
Hannah Avery, the council’s executive member for neighbourhood services, emphasized, “We want everyone to enjoy walking around the borough and visiting our parks and play areas, whether they have a dog or not.” She added that the changes aim to “balance the needs of all.”
The decision to reduce the number of dogs one person can walk from six to four received support from 80% of respondents in a five-week public consultation conducted in 2023, according to the council. Those who violate the local authority’s dog public space protection orders could face a fixed penalty notice.