Surrey County Council launches dog walkers code

Surrey County Council said professional dog walkers were "welcome" to use countryside sites

A new dog walkers code has been launched in Surrey.

The code, drawn up by Surrey County Council (SCC), highlights the importance of picking up dog waste, keeping dogs under control, and the recommended number of animals per individual when dog walking.

The code comes a year after the death of a dog walker in Caterham.

Natasha Johnston, 28, was killed by her own XL bully while walking a pack of dogs.

Ms Johnston had been walking eight dogs when she was attacked. Coroner Simon Wickens said she had suffered "traumatic injuries" and died from shock and haemorrhage.

SCC has worked with other local landowners and partners including the National Trust, Surrey Wildlife Trust, Thames Basin Heaths Partnership and Surrey Hills National Landscape to create the code of conduct.

Walkers are advised to "only bring to our sites the maximum number of dogs you can safely control", with the code adding that "no more than six" dogs should be walked at a time.

Marisa Heath, SCC cabinet member for environment, said walking in the countryside had "huge benefits for mental and physical wellbeing" but that it was important that walkers "respected each other".

She said: "By following our simple dog walking code of conduct we hope all users will not only respect each other's needs but also help protect the valuable green spaces on their doorstep."

The council said professional dog walkers were "welcome" to use Surrey's countryside sites, but they were being urged to sign up to the code and display a sticker in their car to show "their business follows industry best practice in care and welfare".

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