Multiple dog walking bye law
From 1 July 2006, Wandsworth Council enforced a new byelaw, which controls the number of dogs walked by an individual in parks and open spaces in Wandsworth. This byelaw is known as the Multiple Dog Walking Byelaw.

• Parks and open spaces covered by the law
• Conditions of the bye-law
• Frequently asked questions
• Application forms and guidance notes

The parks and open spaces covered by these by laws are:

Anyone who wishes to walk more than four dogs at any given time in any of these parks must obtain, free of charge, a license from the council. An application form and guidance notes can be downloaded through the link at the bottom of this page.

The conditions of the byelaw are explained as follows;

1. EXTENT

1.1   These byelaws apply to the Grounds named in the Schedule (and indicated for the purposes of identification only on the maps attached thereto), hereafter referred to as 'the Grounds'.

1.2   These byelaws do not apply to any roads within the Grounds for the time being designated under section 27 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

1.3   These byelaws do not apply in respect of any dogs to which section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 applies.

1.4 Notice of the effect of these byelaws shall be given by signs placed in conspicuous positions in or near each of the Grounds.

2.  INTERPRETATION

2.1 In these byelaws-
"the Council" means The Mayor and Burgesses of the London Borough of Wandsworth;
a "licence" means a licence currently in force which was issued by the Council further to an application in accordance with byelaw 3.

3. OBTAINING A LICENCE

3.1 A person may obtain free of charge a licence to take up to eight dogs into any of the Grounds at the same time by applying to the Council. The licence will specify the maximum number of dogs and the period for which it is valid.

4. RESTRICTING NUMBERS OF DOGS IN THE GROUNDS

4.1 A person in charge of dogs who does not have a licence shall be guilty of an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he takes into, or has in his charge in, any of the Grounds more than four dogs at the same time.

4.2 A person in charge of dogs who does have a licence shall be guilty of an offence if, without reasonable excuse,

5. REMOVAL OF OFFENDERS

5.1 Any person who contravenes byelaw 4.1 or 4.2 may be removed from the Grounds described in Parts 1, 2 or 3 of the Schedule by any duly authorised officer of the Council or any constable.

6. PENALTY

6.1   Any person found guilty of an offence under byelaw 4.1 or 4.2 shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale.

Frequently asked questions

Who will enforce the byelaws?
All council officers have authority to enforce council byelaws. However, both the Parks Police and Dog Control Officers will be specialising in the enforcement of this particular byelaw.

What is the age that someone can apply for a license and is there an age limit?
The minimum age is 16 years. There is no maximum age limit.

What is the penalty for a breach of the byelaw?
If a multiple dog walker is found not to have a license in a park where it is required then he/she will be reported for the offence and could face a fine of up to £500.

If a multiple dog walker who holds a license is not adhering to the code of conduct or is causing nuisance or distress to other park users then the amount of dogs that the license holder may exercise at any given time may be reduced, and/or time and venue of walks may be changed, and/or the license may be revoked.

I have previously been prosecuted for a byelaw offence, can I still apply for a license?
Yes. All applicants are considered individually and we shall be looking at your conduct and attitude since the byelaw offence.

Is anyone exempt from this byelaw?
There are no exemptions from this byelaw. Anyone walking more than four dogs will need to have a multiple dog-walking license.

I am a professional dog walker. I only walk three clients' dogs and bring my own two dogs with me. Do I need a license?
Yes you do. Regardless of who owns the dogs, if you are in charge of more than four dogs (Five in this example), you will be required to hold a license.

I currently walk 10 plus dogs at one time. Can I have special permission to walk that many with a license?
No, there is no special permission with a byelaw. The maximum that you may apply for is 8 dogs.

Will the breed of dog be taken into consideration? Are any breeds excluded?
No. The competence of the handler will be considered when assessing a license application. There are no breeds excluded. However, license holders are required to comply with all dog legislation, and the code of conduct.

Is there a minimum age for a dog to be walked?
There is no minimum age of dog. The dog walker must comply with all dog legislation.

How long is the license valid for?
The licence is valid for life unless it is revoked, or is surrendered voluntarily.

Do I require insurance?
Yes. It is a condition of applying for the license that applicants can prove public liability insurance.

Do I have to have identification on me all the time when I am walking dogs?
It would be good practice to always carry your licence, as a council officer may demand to inspect your license at any time whilst in a park.

Who can I contact for advice on this subject?
You may use the feedback form on this web site to ask for advice. Alternatively, you may email Dog Control Service at dogcontrol@wandsworth.gov.uk, or ring the Parks Police on 020 8871 7532 or Dog Control on 020 8871 7606.

Application forms and guidance notes
You can download an application form for a license which includes information for your application and the code of conduct which must be followed.

 Application form and guidance notes (58 kb)