Decision details

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:  

1.    Note the proposal to introduce a licensing scheme for professional dog walkers using Hillingdon's parks and open spaces on behalf of their clients, including the draft terms and conditions and code of conduct as set out in the report. Furthermore, Cabinet note the intention to reduce the maximum number of dogs under one persons control from six to four and that commercial dog walkers be licensed to a maximum number of six dogs under one persons control.

2.    Authorise the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Residents Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members for Commerce, Community and Regeneration and Finance, Property and Business Services, to undertake the necessary statutory consultation required before changes can lawfully be made to existing Public Space Protection Orders and to then decide whether to give effect to the proposed changes, having conscientious regard to the consultation responses and also determining whether the statutory test required to make these changes is fully satisfied.

3.    Subject to the outcome of the statutory process above, delegate authority to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members for Commerce, Community and Regeneration and Finance, Property and Business Services, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Residents Services, to approve the licensing scheme and make all necessary decisions to give effect to this proposal, including setting the associated fees and charges.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to progress a proposal to limit the number of dogs under one persons control in parks and open spaces and introduce a new licensing scheme for professional dog walkers, following an increase in such activity. Cabinet noted that such schemes had been introduced in the Royal Parks and nearby local authorities, resulting in more people using Hillingdon’s parks.

The proposed measures would ensure parks and wildlife were protected, the use of public open space would maintained for all visitors and professional dog walkers would be able to comply with current health and safety, animal welfare and best practice for the safety and enjoyment of their dogs.

Upon agreeing the proposal, Cabinet noted that this would be subject to the statutory consultation process relating to Public Space Protection Orders, before any final decision was made by Members.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to leave the existing controls in place, but agreed that the increase in the number of professional dog walkers now required more robust controls to manage this for their benefit, along with other park and open space users.

Officer to action:

Paul Richards, Residents Services

Classification: Public

The report and any background papers relating to this decision by the Cabinet are available to view on the Council's website or by visiting the Civic Centre, Uxbridge.