Petitioners Advocate for Loosening Dog Walking Regulations

A petition has been submitted advocating for the relaxation of regulations governing the number of dogs that can be walked in Reigate and Banstead. These regulations were initially prompted by safety concerns following the fatal mauling of professional dog walker Natasha Johnston in a park in 2023. Ms. Johnston was walking eight dogs in Gravelly when the attack occurred, leading to demands for stricter controls and new regulations. Reigate and Banstead Borough Council implemented a limit of four dogs, a recommendation from the RSPCA, after conducting a public consultation. Nevertheless, campaigners, primarily professional dog walkers, contend that this universal reduction has resulted in an immediate one-third decrease in their business, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The petition, initiated by Jennifer Clarkson and endorsed by over 500 individuals, urged the council to revisit its resolution and reinstate the six-dog limit, described as having “worked perfectly well for years”. The petition stated: “This cross borough reduction is a heavy handed approach and does not consider the different outside spaces, their size and facilities, or lack of. The decision has been made based upon a public consultation which received responses from 561 people, in a borough which has around 150,000 residents. The business insurance companies cover the majority of individuals to walk six dogs.” At a council meeting, Ms. Clarkson reported that out of 78 dog-related incidents reported to the council over the past 12 months, only two involved individuals walking four or more dogs. Councillor Jonathan Essex acknowledged that the regulations were implemented in response to the tragic fatality. He further stated: “But I’ve listened to what the petitioner has said and I think it’s also important that we make sure as a council that we are clear that were listening to all stakeholders.” The committee concurred that the petition should be presented to the cabinet for consideration at a date to be determined in the new year.