North Devon dog walkers say lead rule could force price hike

The aim of the new measures is to control dogs in spaces open to the public

Dog walkers have said "impractical" proposals to tighten dog rules may lead to higher prices for owners.

North Devon Council is considering a suite of measures aimed at controlling dogs in spaces open to the public.

They include introducing a cap of six dogs per walker, with a further requirement that at least three be on a short lead at all times.

A consultation on the plan found most residents were supportive of the proposals.

However, dog walkers believe the plan could inadvertently lead to price increases.

'Irresponsible owners'

Simon Williams, a dog walker from Barnstaple, said: "Dogs being on lead unnecessarily will cause tension within groups and decrease enjoyment.

"As we wouldn't want that it could lead to an unnecessary reduction in group size which will likely mean an increase in cost to our clients.

"It could quite easily mean that some professional dog walkers go out of business or dogs miss out on their daily exercise."

Mr Williams said responsible dog walkers "need to be trusted to do their jobs properly".

He added: "I can't help thinking that by playing the numbers game the new legislation will detract from the primary issue - irresponsible owners and walkers."

Sandra Pierce, a dog walker from Braunton, said higher prices may lead to fewer people using dog walking services.

"If dogs don't get the stimulation they need they will become more frustrated," she said.

"They might start becoming destructive, barking more and start showing other behaviour issues.

"People will then start rehoming their dogs - it's already happening because of the cost of living."

Councillors are due to vote on the proposals on 4 December

Anna Hickman, another dog walker from Barnstaple, agreed some reform was needed - such as introducing the cap of six - but she believed other changes needed to be more flexible.

"I can't understand the thinking behind having three dogs on a lead," she said.

"I don't think that's practical in any way. If you have three dogs on a lead, with three running around, that is going to be quite disruptive."

Daryl Littlejohns, the council's environmental health manager, said residents were "broadly in favour" of the proposals.

He said councillors were due to make a final decision on the matter on 4 December.

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