North Somerset eases restrictions on walking multiple dogs

North Somerset Council has revised its rule limiting the number of dogs walked simultaneously in public spaces, deciding that the restriction will now apply solely to commercial dog walkers.

Earlier in 2023, the council implemented a cap restricting individuals from walking more than six dogs in public. Under this policy, walking seven or more dogs could result in a fine, although initial offences were met with a warning.

This approach has now been amended following discussions at a cabinet meeting on 16 September, where Cabinet Member Mark Canniford stated: “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.”

Mr Canniford also confirmed that the council is considering introducing a licensing scheme for dog walkers akin to that in neighbouring Bristol.

Councillor Peter Burden (Portishead South, Conservative), a long-standing critic of the six-dog limit, welcomed the change. He said: “I do happen to know a very competent dog trainer who runs eight dogs and she will be happy.”

He further added, “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.”

Bristol City Council requires commercial dog walkers to obtain a licence, costing upwards of £300, to operate in the city’s parks. Additionally, they are limited to walking a maximum of four dogs at once.

The initial restriction in North Somerset was introduced as part of a public space protection order in response to a rise in dog attacks within the district, which increased from 385 in 2020 to 480 in 2023.

The council has highlighted that six is the recommended maximum number of dogs to be walked at once according to the practitioner’s manual on irresponsible dog ownership.