Stonnington lifts its controversial dog walking ban while it undergoes reassessment

Earlier this year Stonnington Council introduced a controversial new law that banned groups of dogs larger than four from being walked. Now they’ve backtracked.

A controversial dog walking ban has been lifted by Stonnington Council

Stonnington Council has backtracked on its controversial dog walking restriction, lifting its ban on four dogs at a time while they undergo consultation.

As previously reported in The Leader, the council implemented a ban in February to restrict dog lovers to walking no more than four dogs at once in parks in the municipality.

But the ban received huge backlash from the professional dog walking industry, who argued their businesses would suffer under the restriction with customers pockets paying the price.

Now the council has backtracked, saying the decision was perhaps hasty and ill-advised.

Ken Phillips of Dog Concierge with his well trained pups. Picture: Josie Hayden

“I think we have all learnt a lot more about dog walking (since February),” Cr Marcia Griffin said.

“I don’t think we are totally clear about the appropriate number of dogs but no doubt we are going to find out and have a better solution this time.”

Cr John Chandler said in council there were two types of dog walking businesses; “cowboys” and professionals.

“(Businesses) that are very professional and do a really good job … we’ve had a lot of feedback from people who want to see them continue,” Cr Chandler said.

“But there’s a few cowboys out there that we would all be happy to see go away.”

MAJOR MELBOURNE DEVELOPERS STELLER'S CLOUDY FUTURE

ANTI-SKYSAIL ACTIVISTS $10K COUNCIL GRANT

CHARITY SEEKS COAT DONATIONS AS WINTER SETS IN

Ken Phillips, of Dog Concierge, said he was pleased the council was rethinking the ban.

Mr Phillips said he almost copped a fine in March for walking a dozen dogs down a Stonnington street despite them being under efficient control.

“The joy that these well mannered dogs bring to the community is very rewarding,” he said.

“I hope that councillors get a sense of what we do, the professionals not the cowboys, and also that they get a sense of the value the customers place in our services.

“I think when (the consultation) is all said and done it will reflect what we’ve been saying this whole time.”

Stonnington chief executive Simon Thomas said an independent surveyor would conduct intercept surveys of professional dog walkers, domestic dog walkers and other park users.

[e-mail]