A DOG walking licensing scheme could be introduced in Bradford.

It emerged following a written question from Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) to last week’s Full Council meeting.

She had raised concern over incidents in woodland 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”.

Cllr Sunderland asked whether a scheme to license professional dog walkers would be considered.

A response to her question said: “Dogs that are not under proper control can be really frightening and I would always encourage dog walkers using Council land across the district to comply with the law and local bye-laws relating to dogs and dog control.

“It is against the law to allow dogs to be dangerously out of control, so it is important people maintain control of their animals at all times.

“The Council Dog Control Public Space Protection order provides additional safeguards for users of parks and green spaces.

“Officers are currently considering what options are available to the Council to bring in a licensing scheme, which would allow additional control over professional dog walkers who use parks, countryside sites and woodlands for business use.”

Officers are reviewing the challenges such a scheme might pose.