Dog walkers say Stonnington’s four-pooch limit is a ruff deal

Dog-walking businesses are barking mad at an inner Melbourne council’s sudden move to limit the number of animals they can take to parks to just four.

Dog-walkers are barking mad over Stonnington Council’s sudden move to limit the number of pooches they can take to parks at one time to just four.

Traders who have trained staff to walk as many as 10 dogs at a time say they weren’t consulted about the changes and their businesses, and the jobs of walkers they employ, are under threat.

The inner-east Melbourne council said the change responded to locals’ complaints that commercial walkers were not effectively controlling large groups of dogs, which were being aggressive.

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Dog Concierge dog walker Ken Phillips and Carly Fitzgerald are joined by Jonathan Whitelaw from Woofers World (centre) at Central Park in Malvern East. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Commercial dog walkers said they welcomed any moves to prevent unregulated operators breaking local laws.

Ken Phillips, of Dog Concierge, said the industry was not consulted. Last month’s changes had been rushed through with little discussion.

“They’ve drawn a long bow that will destroy people’s livelihoods and businesses,’’ he said.

Woofers World general manager Jonathan Whitelaw said most of the businesses were professional outfits with trained staff. His company, established in 2005, employs 12 full-time trained staff.

Mr Whitelaw, also a Stonnington resident, said he was concerned councillors might not have been presented with accurate information before making their decision.

“These new rules have had a significant impact on the feasibility of our operations and an adverse effect on our clients,’’ he said. “There has been no advance warning nor opportunity for our business to amend and prepare for such regulation.’’

Mr Whitelaw said unruly dogs were not a problem at Woofers as each animal was assessed and managed properly. The council already had powers to deal with any ­misbehaving animals or irresponsible owners, he said.

Price rises of up to 25 per cent were likely to cover the reduced revenue and increased costs, he said.

“The flow-on effect of this is that some clients may then look to cheaper, less reputable and less accountable ­options. Cheaper operators often mean substandard practices and expertise.’’

Anne Plumb, of South Yarra, uses Woofers World to walk Sophie, her three-year-old spoodle when she isn’t able to.

“For the council to impose such a change with no consultation to reputable, fully trained and qualified professional operators … because of a response to rogue operators is appalling and does not comply with any due diligence at all,’’ Ms Plumb said.

City of Stonnington chief executive Warren Roberts said the decision brought Stonnington into line with other councils’ rules.

“Community safety is paramount and council prioritised the safety of all park users by making the amendment now, rather than risk further incidents occurring,’’ Mr Roberts said.

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