To discuss any issues raised by Committee Members, including the following:
· Out of Control Dogs
· Maintenance and Inspection of Trees in the Warren Wood
Minutes:
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 that usually go to Nonsuch Park will be displaced to the Downs, once the licensing scheme launches. The Streetcare Manager mentioned that Nonsuch JMC are looking to introduce a Dog Code of Conduct, which will apply to all dog walkers in the park, not just commercial ones. The Chair informed the Committee that a report will be going to Conservators to proactively discuss how they wish to proceed with this issue.
h) Act of Parliament. An invited representative asked if a Dog Code of Conduct would contravene the Act of Parliament which governs the Downs. The Chair responded to explain that they couldn’t imagine it would cause issues with the Act of Parliament, and that the Code of conduct will just be simple guidelines that need to be followed and reiterated to users of the Downs.
i) Byelaws. The Streetcare Manager mentioned that the Byelaws set out that dogs must be kept under proper control, meaning people could be prosecuted under the byelaws but sufficient evidence would be needed to do so. The Streetcare Manager highlighted that if it is a repeat offender, it is something the Council would be prepared to take on, but the evidence would be needed to back it up.
j) Warren Wood Trees. A Member of the Committee asked what mechanism is in place when someone needs trees looked at which are on land owned by TJC. The Member highlighted the need for a process which can be followed when a concern is raised. The Chair encouraged the Member to approach the Council’s Tree Officer first to determine where the responsibility lies with respect to the tree/s that is/are concerned. The Chair mentioned that the Epsom and Ewell Tree Advisory Board could also provide advice where needed. The Streetcare Manager agreed to go on a site visit to the trees mentioned, along with the Council’s Tree Officer to get further advice for the Member who raised the issue
Following discussion, the Committee unanimously resolved to:
(1) Consider the matters raised by members of the Committee as set out in this report.
Supporting documents: