CONSULTATION a voluntary registration scheme for professional dog walkers in Swindon has just closed.

The scheme being considered by the borough council follows complaints about uncontrolled animals.

“We don’t really have an issue with commercial dogwalkers. With the voluntary register we want to promote best practice.” said Swindon Borough Council animals officer Alison Waine,

Her comments came after the council won a formal undertaking in the county court from a dog walker accused of repeated antisocial behaviour, that they would stay away from Coate Water, which is popular with walkers, cyclists and horseriders as well as dog owners.

“With the voluntary register we want to promote best practice. A dog needs to be under control whether it is on a lead or not.”

The council says it doesn’t want to discourage small commercial enterprises, but it has seen a steady increase in the number of dogwalkers using the town’s parks and open spaces alongside other users.

Five years ago the City of Edinburgh Council brought in a more formal system requiring professional walker to register before they could use council-owned parks.

But Swindon decided to use a less restrictive approach because of the generally low number of complaints in the town.

If the scheme goes ahead it could mean a list of walkers who have signed up and agreed to abide by a code of conduct is made available to the public.