Commercial Dog Walkers access rights

Commercial dog walkers are named as one of those allowed to continue to work during the current restrictions. However, the Government then closed all public parks and access to outdoor trails etc. This decision left commercial walkers with no one to go in which to carry out their job, most have closed their businesses as a result. Whilst it is easy to grasp the logic behind the decision to close access to open spaces could we have some form of exemption for those of us that need access to outdoor trails in order to do our job?

Exemption for Commercial Dog Walkers would ensure none of these businesses close down. Most have closed as we have no access to our 'office' (the great outdoors). If we can continue to operate we remain employed and earning. Many have already folded and are now signing on.

The impact on animal welfare will be alleviated. Our service users rely on us to take care of their pets. We have essential workers, disabled persons, the elderly and so on. As discussed with the Chief Veterinary Officer (Scotland), social distancing protocols are easily managed on pick up/drop off.

Exemption from accessing outdoor space would ensure this huge industry does not collapse and that animal welfare and the services we provide on a daily basis can continue safely, adhering to all social distancing regulations.