Dog walkers are calling for tighter controls after a woman was killed in the Caterham attack

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Dog walkers and kennel owners have called for tighter controls on the number of animals each person is allowed to handle to protect both the animals and the public.

It comes after a woman was attacked and killed by dogs she was walking during a frenzied attack at a beautification area in Surrey on Thursday.

The 28-year-old was with eight dogs when a number of them turned on her as she walked her on the North Downs Road near Caterham.

The attack raised concern about the confusing and contradictory regulations covering the sector, with councils setting various limits on the number of dogs one person can walk.

Croydon Council has a maximum of four animals per dog-walker, while neighboring Tandridge County Council – which covers the area where the incident occurred – has set a maximum of six animals per handler.

“There is no one to control what is going on.”

Richard Brack, who runs a kennel in Mardens near where the woman was killed, said the lack of clear regulation of dog walkers has become a “major problem” among those who keep pets.

“The problem is, anyone can start a dog walking business. All someone has to do is take a few of their friends’ dogs, take them out for a walk, and they can then call themselves a dog park,” he said.

“There is no one to monitor what is going on. It all depends on the boards involved in licensing and can be determined by the number of dogs an individual walks.”

A staff member at Canine Cottage next door, in Kenley, has also called for tougher rules.

“I don’t think it’s right that someone can walk that many dogs without any form of regulation, although I understand that different boards have different requirements,” said the employee, who asked not to be named.

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