A COUNCILLOR is proposing Bradford introduce a scheme to licence professional dog walkers.

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle & Thackley) has submitted a question ahead of a Full Council meeting on July 12.

She says there have been a number of incidents in woodlands and parks “where members of the public have felt scared or intimidated or even experienced a dog-on-dog attack from dogs being walked by professional dog walkers”.

She adds: “Does the Portfolio Holder agree it is essential that dog walkers comply with the requirements of the law and local bylaws relating to dog walking and will she consider implementing a scheme to licence professional dog walkers which also limits the number of dogs that can be walked, restricts the meeting up of professional dog-walkers and ensures standards of welfare for the dog, respect for other walkers or riders, the environment and peace of mind for the dog-owners.”