Walkies but no talkies: new law on park dogs

Professional dog walkers will be banned from talking to each other under bylaws proposed by a council.

Wandsworth has drawn up a code of conduct because other park users "find it very intimidating to be confronted by large numbers of dogs".

One proposed rule says: "All multiple dog walkers shall walk independently of each other and are prohibited from making contact with other multiple dog walkers."

Professional walkers would have to apply for licences if they are exercising more than four dogs.

The draft code will be submitted to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Other decrees are that dogs must wear identity tags displaying the owner's name and address, that walkers carry sufficient "poop scoop" bags for the number of dogs being exercised and that they "ensure children are given right of way at all times".

If passed, the bylaws will cover Wandsworth Common and Battersea, Falcon and Hillbrook parks.

A Wandsworth spokesman said: "We are trying to make sure our parks are not no-go areas for other park users."