Epsom and Sutton May Issue Code of Conduct to Dog Walkers

Thu, 07 May 2009

Dog walkers in Epsom and Sutton could be issued with a code of conduct under plans to stamp out dog attacks and dog fouling . The code would be imprinted on free dog mess bags which will be handed out to pet walkers in Nonsuch Park. The proposals would form part of Sutton Council and Epson and Ewell Borough Council’s long term strategy to encourage greater responsibility amongst animal owners.

The park has encountered problems with dog fouling and dog attacks recently, with a local jogger mauled by a St Bernard dog, whilst another man needed £900 worth of treatment having been attacked by a spaniel .

The councils have studied the recent proposals implemented by Wandsworth Council, which required any person wishing to walk more than four dogs at a time to obtain a license, whilst banning packs of more than eight dogs.

Councillor Graham Tope, executive member for community safety on Sutton Council, acknowledged that the majority of owners are responsible and cleaned up after their pets . However, with some animals still causing problems, Mr Tope said the measures were designed to ensure the minority of irresponsible dog owners would be punished.

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