Bradford councillor calls for professional dog walkers to be licenced

A Bradford councillor is proposing the city introduce a scheme to licence professional dog walkers.

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle & Thackley) has submitted a question ahead of a full council meeting next week (12 July).

She says there have been a number of incidents in woodlands and parks “where members of the public have felt scared or intimidated or even experienced a dog-on-dog attack from dogs being walked by professional dog walkers”.

Sunderland added: “Does the Portfolio Holder agree it is essential that dog walkers comply with the requirements of the law and local bylaws relating to dog walking and will she consider implementing a scheme to licence professional dog walkers which also limits the number of dogs that can be walked, restricts the meeting up of professional dog walkers and ensures standards of welfare for the dog, respect for other walkers or riders, the environment, and peace of mind for the dog owners.”