Dog walkers limited to four pets at any one time

One professional dog walker said the industry needs more regulation

A council in Surrey has introduced a ban on walking more than four dogs at once.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council said the new rule follows a review of the previous limit of six pets.

It said the change was due to "ongoing concerns raised by residents" about uncontrollable groups of dogs.

Professional dog walkers have raised concerns the move could significantly impact their livelihoods, but recognised there were safety issues.

A limit of four dogs is recommended by the RSPCA and pet business insurers.

Rebecca Herrera, who runs the Little Adventures dog walking business in Reigate, said the change could stop her from doing her job.

She said she could potentially lose up to £1,000 a month and may need to find other work.

The council said its dog public space protection orders had "high levels of support"

However, Ms Herrera could "completely understand" the change from a safety perspective.

She told the BBC: "Lots of people start up in the business with no experience or training, thinking it is easy money.

"But packs of dogs can be dangerous."

In 2023, a woman died while walking a group of dogs in Caterham, Surrey.

Fixed fine

Hannah Avery, the council's executive member for neighbourhood services, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy walking about the borough or visiting our parks and play areas, whether they have a dog or not."

The changes would help "balance the needs of all," she added.

Reducing the number of dogs a person can walk at any one time from six to four received the support of 80% of respondents who took part in a five-week public consultation in 2023, the council said.

Anyone in breach of the local authority's dog public space protection orders can be issued with a fixed penalty notice.

The new restrictions, along with a report on the consultation findings, can be found here.