London council to consider new charges for dog walkers

Tower Hamlets Council is to consider introducing fees for licensing professional dog walkers, which could entitle them to walk more than the maximum number allowed under a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), reports suggest.

The council is also set to consult on a new PSPO that would ban people from walking more than four dogs at a time anywhere in the borough, ban pets from play parks and sports areas, requiring dogs to be on the lead in all public spaces and tougher penalties for dog fouling.

Anyone in breach of the order could face prosecution and fines ranging from £100 to £1,000.

The new rules are due to be debated next week, the reports suggest.