EPPING FOREST: Dog walkers welcome restrictions (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

EPPING FOREST: Dog walkers welcome restrictions

10:03am Sunday 9th August 2009 in

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DOG walkers have welcomed restrictions which could be imposed by the City of London Corporation.

The Corporation which controls Epping Forest, has received reports of dogs fighting and is now considering putting a limit, likely to be six, on the number of dogs walkers can take out at any time.

They may also have to gain a licence by proving they can control the dogs they are responsible for.

But dog walkers in the district said the rules would benefit their business.

Toni Revan runs a dog walking service in Loughton and said: “I only take two or three at the most. I don't let them off the lead because they aren't mine and I don't think it would be possible to take more than six. It would be difficult to keep that many dogs under control. It wouldn't be fair on other people out walking.”

Louise Foster who owns West Essex Pet Care in Loughton said: “I don't take more than four dogs out with me and I disagree with dog walkers taking out more than that because you can't control that amount.

"I have come across people walking more than six dogs and I avoid them. Normally they are off the lead and there's usually one or two that are out of control. I don't want to come into contact with them.

"I think it's a good idea to impose restrictions because it protects everyone else.”