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12
WQ.403/2019
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
BY DEPUTY C.S. ALVES OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 8th OCTOBER 2019
Question
Will the Minister state the reasons why dog-walkers are not required to be registered, and are not regulated, in the way that dog-groomers and dog kennels / day-care providers are?
Answer
Dog grooming, dog kennelling and day care providers are by their nature all undertaking commercial activities involving some structural requirements. These physical restrictions can have significant welfare implications if the facilities are not inspected and to a minimum standard and they are rightly regulated both here and in the UK. Dog walking may not involve any restriction regarding space and may be as simple as walking a single dog belonging to a neighbour for very little financial compensation. There is no specific national legislation controlling this in the UK or in the Channel Islands at present. To introduce legislation which is not disproportionate will involve further work, but is being considered. There is already legislation in place which would cover being in possession of a dog not under control or allowing a dog to be subject to unnecessary suffering, which are the main complaints against irresponsible dog walkers.
Guidelines for dog walkers are currently in draft.