20/01/2025
Well said 🙌🏼
‼️🚨 Auckland Council is going through a similar process Wellington did, with a proposal to limit dogs walked. However it’s not just professional dog walkers affected. It is ANYONE who walks more than 3 dogs.
The proposal wants 6 dogs max. walked together, and no more than 3 of these are allowed off leash (!).
For the everyday owner or unskilled dog walkers, there may be some merit.
However, this proposal doesn’t consider the many professional dog walkers who operate with high standards and control, providing an important service of enrichment, fulfillment, socialisation, and learning. The power of a balanced pack helps dogs develop their on & off leash skills, socialise appropriately, overcome reactivity, build confidence, be thoughtful and patient, walk on a loose leash, cope around distractions and more.
With long commutes, busy lifestyles, family, health & other commitments, dogs who would otherwise be home alone or with limited enrichment may be more prone to behavioural issues such as barking, digging, chewing, escaping, reactivity and aggression. Dog walking helps dogs become happy, well-adjusted, well-behaved and more enjoyable at home.
It IS important for public spaces to be shared, for all dogs to be under control off leash & to reduce impact.
However, in its current form, this proposal would see many professional dog walkers close OR prices would be substantially increased OR they will operate several times a day, putting MORE impact on public spaces. 😳
Auckland does need regulation. The solution is in ensuring those walking multiple dogs are licenced, assessed on their knowledge of their responsibilities and ability to manage multiple dogs, they are insured if a commercial business and have health & safety/lost dog protocols, there is a limit (ours is 12), and dogs aren’t walked at peak times.
If you use or want to use a service like mine, are a dog walker or have multiple dogs, this will affect you. Other councils are looking at it too.
Have your say today. You don’t need to live in Auckland.
https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/dog-policy-bylaw-and-access-rules
