Code of conduct for dog walkers is being introduced

They have also incorporated the views of the 50 local professional dog walkers following a public meeting about this issue in June.

The aims to introduce a ‘code of conduct’ to encourage all dog walkers to follow best practice, as well as setting a good example to members of the public exercising their own dogs.

In addition, all professional dog walkers who sign up to the code will be added to a directory, via a special page on the Adur & Worthing Councils website. The walkers will also be issued with a special sticker to display on their vehicles to show they are signed up to this scheme.

Councillor Emma Evans, Adur District Council executive member for the environment, said: “All professions benefit from clear guidelines and dog walkers are no different. As in other areas across the UK, where local authorities have introduced this voluntary code, the dog walkers benefit from a code that guides and supports them in offering a good level of service and professionalism, resulting in good dog welfare also.”

Councillor Clive Roberts, Worthing Borough Council executive member for the environment, said: “Following a public meeting in June, very well attended by local dog walkers, it was very clear that there was a demand for this voluntary code of practice to be introduced in Adur & Worthing, from the professionals and the public alike.

“The dog wardens team have taken great care to incorporate the feedback from that meeting in this voluntary code of practice and believe, as do I, that it will result in a high level of service from dog walkers in our area, a good standard of welfare for the dogs, and a reassurance for the dog owners and public alike that the councils are offering a code to deliver best practice.”

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