New charter drawn up for professional dog walkers in the Forest

A PROFESSIONAL dog walking charter has been drawn up to encourage handlers in the New Forest to protect wildlife and pick up their mess.

The document is also aimed at helping people looking to hire a dog walker by setting up a list of operatives who have signed up to adhere to all the rules and recommendations.

It was created by the national park authority after consultation with owners of dog walking businesses and includes guidelines such as having a maximum of six dogs on a walk.

Others include having a first aid qualification, a commitment to pick up and dispose of dog mess, parking only in designated car parks, and keeping away from livestock.

It also asks dog walkers to keep to tracks to avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds and to have pets under control at all times.

The New Forest Dog Owners Group, which represents more than 1,000 dog owners, supports the new charter.

Group chair Heather Gould said: “The way to preserve our freedom in the Forest is to behave responsibly, whether that’s individual owners or professional dog walkers.

“I am keen to recommend to our members and other dog owners that if they use a dog walker, check they’ve signed the charter and behave responsibly.”

All professional dog walkers who use the Forest are being urged to adopt the charter which is aimed at ensuring they are “operating the business in a professional manner”, “staying safe and respecting the environment” and also “being considerate to other Forest users”.

The NPA said a 2018/19 survey showed that although professional dog walkers were less than 1% of people in the New Forest’s open heathlands and woodland, they visit very frequently, often with multiple animals.

Jeanette Muldoon, director of the Family Dog Club based in Exbury, said: “We think the new charter is a fantastic idea which can give owners reassurance that the person they choose to walk their dogs adheres to guidance on best practice whilst respecting the New Forest National Park.”

The charter is supported by local bodies including New Forest District Council, Hampshire Constabulary, Forestry England, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and the Kennel Club.

NPA member Patrick Heneghan said: “By committing to this charter, local dog walking businesses are able to demonstrate that they will operate both in a professional manner and in a way that takes into account the unique characteristics of the New Forest landscape.”

Companies which sign up to the charter will be listed on the NPA’s website. Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/pdwc