Responsible Dog Walking: Proposal to Limit the Number of Dogs Walked at One Time in Public Spaces

Ards and North Down Borough Council is seeking views on a proposal to introduce a limit on the number of dogs that may be walked simultaneously in public spaces.

The proposed maximum is four dogs per person.

This consultation aims to gather feedback from residents, dog owners, businesses, professional dog walkers, and wider stakeholders before any final decision is made.

Background 

Walking multiple dogs at once can create challenges related to:

• Public safety
• Dog control and behaviour
• Environmental impacts, including dog fouling management
• Interactions between dogs, other animals, and members of the public
• Professional dog walking practices

Many UK councils have adopted limits (often 4 or 6 dogs) to ensure dogs remain under proper control in shared public areas, and to support safer, more responsible use of parks, beaches, and open spaces.

Introducing a limit aims to promote responsible dog ownership and maintain safe, enjoyable public spaces for all residents and visitors.

The Proposal

It is proposed that: No person may walk more than four dogs at one time in any public space within the Borough.

Section 40 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environments Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 empowers district councils to make Dog Control Orders (DCO) applying to land within their district that is open to the air and accessible to the public (with or without payment).

What This Means in Practice

If the proposal is adopted:

• Individuals may walk 1-4 dogs at any one time
• Groups (e.g., two professional walkers) may walk dogs together, but each person must not exceed the limit
• Enforcement officers may request details from any individual in control of a dog
• Failure to comply may result in fixed penalty notices or further enforcement action

Exemptions (if any) can be considered as part of this consultation.

Impact Assessment

Potential Benefits

• Reduced risk of dogs being out of control
• Improved safety for children and vulnerable people
• Enhanced protection for wildlife and livestock
• Greater confidence among other park users
• More consistent expectations for professional dog walkers

Potential Considerations

• Operational adjustments required for dog-walking businesses
• Need for clear signage and communication
• Ensuring enforcement remains proportionate and fair

How to Respond

We welcome your views on the proposed limit.

You can respond by:

• Completing our online survey via [Link to follow]
• Emailing comments to: enquiries@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
• Writing to: Ards and North Down Borough Council City Hall The Castle Bangor BT20 4BT

The closing date for responses is Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Next Steps

After the consultation closes:

1. All feedback will be analysed and summarised.
2. A report will be presented to the Council.
3. A decision will be made on whether to adopt the limit, amend it, or introduce alternatives.
4. The Council will publish the outcome and any resulting policy or order.

Privacy and Data Protection

All responses will be handled in line with data protection legislation. Personal details will be used only for the purposes of this consultation and will not be published.