Family of dead puppy calls for regulation of dog walkers

The Derbyshire family of a puppy that was hit by a car while in the care of a professional dog walker is calling on the government to introduce a law to regulate the profession.

Eight-month-old cockapoo Digby was hit by a car in Coppice Side, Swadlincote, and died of his injuries. The family believes he was not on his lead and had run across the busy town centre road.

Owner Cathy Hayward has launched a petition calling for the introduction of a law to regulate dog walkers – Digby’s Law – which now has more than 2,000 signatures. The petition needs 10,000 signatures for Parliament to look at the proposed changes.

Digby’s Law asks for all dog walking or pet-sitting businesses to require a formal written contract with the owners. It stipulates that contract should include when and where the dog will be walked, kept on a lead or unleashed in safe, secure parks or areas.

The petition also calls for dog walkers to be able to handle any behaviour issues and to administer first aid. It says walkers should be DBS checked and registered or licensed by a council, with a yearly fee paid to promote good, safe practices.

Hayward told Derby Telegraph: “I got a call from the vet to say Digby had suffered a head injury and had later died.

“This was a very unsafe area with a busy main road all around it, with a petrol station and two supermarkets. We had our old dog until the age of 14 – losing our old pet hurt, but nothing prepares you for this.”

She added: “I believe the fact anyone can set themselves up as a professional dog walker with no experience of knowledge can result in severe consequences.

“There are some very good professional people out there, but there are those with no scrutiny or organisation to vet or regulate them. We are trying to do something positive to protect other dogs and families, as well as good genuine professional dog-walking businesses. They’ve been really supportive and can’t thank them enough. Even they feel it needs to be regulated.”

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police told Derby Telegraph: “A report was made to the force that a dog had been killed after being in collision with a car in Coppice Side, Swadlincote on 7 June. Following that report the force received a complaint from the owner of the dog. Following an investigation into the matter no evidence of any criminal offences having taken place were found and the matter has been filed.”