Issue - meetings

To discuss any issues raised by Committee Members, including the following:

·         Out of Control Dogs

·         Maintenance and Inspection of Trees in the Warren Wood

The Committee discussed matters raised by Members of the Epsom and Walton Downs Consultative Committee.

The following matters were discussed:

a)            Out of Control Dogs. The Member from the British Horse Society informed the Committee that they had received a report of an incident involving an out-of-control dog attacking a horse. The Member highlighted how it is a growing problem since the pandemic, as more people own dogs that have not been trained properly. The Committee considered the issue and discussed methods for avoiding further incidents going forwards. There was consensus that a targeted communication campaign regarding dog walking behaviour and rules on the Downs should be rolled out to both inform and remind users of the Downs of current processes in place to avoid future incidents. Members and invited representatives acknowledged that there are lots of dog owners who are respectful and sensible around horses, and it is a small, persistent minority who are causing issues.

b)            Dangerous Dog Act. The Member from the British Horse Society highlighted that all breeds of dog fall under the dangerous dog act, if the dog causes somebody to feel at risk of injury. The Member raised that it is important for people to realise that all breeds of dogs can make someone feel at risk of being harmed, no matter their size.

c)            Fines. An invited representative asked if fines could be enforced against the owners of out-of-control dogs. The Chair stated that the enforcement and operation of fines is difficult, and a certain level of evidence and background work is needed for a fine to be successfully enforced.

d)            Training. The invited representative from the Epsom Equestrian Conservation Team raised that if there are dogs who need to be trained how to act around horses, and vice versa, they can be brought up to Wildwood and help can be provided. The Chair noted the suggestion. The Chair suggested that a communication piece be rolled out first, before further avenues and options are explored.

e)            Damage to dogs. A Member of the Committee suggested that the communication campaign is approached through the view of the dog owner, by highlighting that their dog could get seriously injured if it does initiate an altercation with a horse. The Member mentioned that this could potentially deter dog owners them or force them to take it the issue seriously by focusing their attention on to what is important to them.

f)             Targeted Communication Campaign. The Chair said resources from the BHS or TJC would be looked at to see if previous communication schemes could be used again, rather than starting from scratch. The Streetcare Manager stated that it should be an ongoing comms campaign to keep it fresh in people’s minds, rather than a one off piece.

g)            Nonsuch Park Scheme. The Streetcare Manager informed the Committee about the pilot commercial dog walking licensing scheme which is being launched in Nonsuch Park in 2025. The Chair raised that there are some concerns that commercial dog walkers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4