North Somerset Eases Restrictions on Number of Dogs Walked Together

North Somerset Council has recently amended its policy regarding the maximum number of dogs that may be walked at one time. Previously, a controversial restriction prohibited walking more than six dogs simultaneously for any individual, with enforcement measures including fines after an initial warning.

However, the council has now clarified that this cap will apply solely to commercial dog walkers. This change allows private owners with more than six dogs to walk them without restriction on public highways, even when moving towards private land.

Cabinet member Mark Canniford explained at the cabinet meeting on 16 September: “If you are someone who likes dogs and has more than six dogs, they haven’t been able to take those dogs on any highway even if they’re just trying to get to private land. That has now been changed so that only professional dog walkers will be banned from that.”

Moreover, the council is considering introducing a licensing system for dog walkers similar to schemes implemented in neighbouring areas such as Bristol.

Councillor Peter Burden, representing Portishead South and a critic of the initial restriction, welcomed the update: “I do happen to know a very competent dog trainer who runs eight dogs and she will be happy. If we can get a decent licensing scheme for dog walkers that would be for the benefit of everyone because, bluntly, in some cases they are a damn menace.”

In Bristol, commercial dog walkers have been required since April to obtain licences costing upwards of £300 to operate in city parks, and they are limited to walking no more than four dogs at once.

North Somerset Council’s original rule was introduced through a public space protection order following an increase in reported dog attacks in the district, which rose from 385 incidents in 2020 to 480 in 2023. The council noted that six dogs is the recommended maximum according to the practitioner’s manual for managing irresponsible dog ownership.