Dog walkers bare teeth after court ruling

Dogged campaigners have vowed to stage another high-profile pooch protest if a council insists on curbing their walkies in the park.
The dog-walking protest back in NovemberThe dog-walking protest back in November
The dog-walking protest back in November

Controversial moves to restrict dog-walkers to a maximum of four pets at a time were put on hold by South Ribble in November after it was claimed the authority had not carried out a proper consultation process.

But now, in the wake of a groundbreaking High Court ruling in the south of England, it is feared it will re-ignite plans to impose the new regulations across the borough. And protestors are gearing up once again to hound councillors and bare their teeth outside the council offices in Leyland.

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“There is no need for it in South Ribble and, if it’s brought back on the agenda, we will be back out with the dogs campaigning,” said Coun Claire Hamilton, who took part in the original street protest in November. “The campaign got a lot of backing from across the community last time and I’m sure it will get the same again.”

The High Court ruled last week that Richmond Council had been correct to ban anyone walking more than four dogs at a time in public parks. The judgement was immediately emailed to all South Ribble councillors, sparking concern that the authority would use it to re-establish controls.

But cabinet member Coun Graham Walton said: “We are due to re-visit the issue over the summer and will consult the community thoroughly before any decision is made.”