North Somerset Council to limit dog walkers

A ban on walking more than six dogs at once will come into force in North Somerset after a public consultation showed “strong support” for the plan.

The Public Space Protection Order – which covers all spaces in North Somerset open to the public, with or without payment – was voted in by North Somerset Council’s Executive.

The council said it would not take a zero-tolerance approach, but warned people attempting to flout the rule could receive a warning or a fine.

Council Leader Mike Bell said: “There will be exceptional circumstances and we will need to keep that under review in terms of the operational realities.”

The council said more rules for those in control of dogs could soon be implemented to cover specific places in North Somerset.