Issue - meetings

To advise Conservators about the Pilot Commercial Dog Walking Licensing Scheme which launches in Nonsuch Park in April 2025 and to discuss impact and options for dog control on Epsom and Walton Downs.

The Conservators received a report about the Pilot Commercial Dog Walking Licensing Scheme which launches in Nonsuch Park in April 2025. The report invited Conservators to discuss the impact and options for dog control on Epsom and Walton Downs.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Local Dog Walkers. A Member of the Conservators proposed that Local dog walkers are consulted, along with other parties listed in paragraph 4.3, and included in discussions when developing a new code of conduct for Dog Walking on the Downs. The Streetcare Manager stated that there is not currently a dog walking representative on the Epsom and Walton Downs Consultative Committee, but confirmed that once the relevant people are identified, they will be engaged with.

b)            Joint effort. A Member of the Conservators raised that it must be a joint effort and two-way street, when it comes to dog walkers and hack riders on the Downs, meaning the onus must not always be on the dog walkers to take the evasive action. The Chair noted the comment and explained to the Conservators that there is a balance to be found between all different users of the Downs. The Chair reminded the Conservators that hack riders are only allowed to go in certain areas of the Downs, so they are more constrained as to where they can go.

c)            The Kennel Club. A Member of the Conservators raised that there are lots of free resources available from the Kennel Club, including a code of conduct, which could be helpful. The Member informed the Conservators of a Kennel Club scheme, called Good Citizen Dog, which focuses on training.  The Member also raised that the book, Total Recall, which is about training dogs to improve their recall skills, could be beneficial. The Member stated that these free resources should be recommended to dog walkers on the Downs. The Chair thanked the Member for highlighting relevant and helpful resources.

d)            Awareness and Communication. A Member of the Conservators commented that they have seen a rise in Commercial Dog Walking in the borough. The Member highlighted the importance of accommodating people’s passion for dogs, with people’s passion for horses. The Member stated that they are shocked by how many dog walkers do not know the rules about walking their dogs on the Downs. The Member stated that the primary issue is communication, and dog walkers need to be reminded of the rules of the Downs.

e)            Race Horses. A Member of the Conservators raised that the Parliamentary Act states that nothing must interfere with the training of racehorses. The Member highlighted that a dog 200m away on a lead, still has the power to scare racehorses, and although some horses are comfortable around dogs, there are many that aren’t, and it is of the utmost importance that horses need to be able to be trained safely, without fear and anxiety.

f)             Nonsuch Trial Scheme. A Member of the Conservators asked how the Nonsuch Park Licensing Scheme will be enforced and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14