Prostitution by-law from 1954 lands Gosport dog walkers with £360 fee over using Browndown military training ground

Pooch-exercising firms in Gosport have been told they will soon need a licence to walk dogs along the beaches at Browndown Ranges, which is open to the public except for during military exercises.

Anyone who does not have a licence could be fined £500 under a more than 60-year-old by-law that previously went unenforced.

But last week signs were put up warning that from April 1 any dog walkers running a business and using Browndown must pay £360 for a licence. Non-commercial use is still allowed.

Section 4 of the Browndown and Rowner Military Lands by-laws 1954 prohibits trade or business on the land – initially brought in to prevent prostitution and gambling.

It said: ‘No person when on the military lands shall... engage in or carry on any trade or business of any nature or kind whatsoever, or... engage in prostitution.’

But commercial dog walkers say this is a shameless cash-grab by the Ministry of Defence, exploiting an outdated piece of legislation.

Donna Marshall, owner of Doggie Holiday Homes, said: ‘Professional dog walkers use the space a lot – it’s nice and open so the dogs can run around a bit.

‘What they’re doing doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. We simply can't afford to pay a licence like this when we already pay one to Gosport Borough Council, plus insurance and other add-ons.

‘It feels like people are being discriminated against, just for wanting to make an extra bit of money.’

Nick Rowe, 48 from Gosport, has been a dog walker for four years.

He said: ‘I use Browndown all the time so for me it’s a huge shame.

‘The licence and other conditions are just extortionate – all they want to do is squeeze more money out of people.

‘What’s more, all of the dogs being walked by professionals are always under control and we often end up picking up dog poo that other people have left behind.’

Some firms have said they will continue using the land under the guise of normal residents, in protest against the license.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence said: ‘People are allowed to walk their dog on MoD land when no training is taking place, however military by-laws prohibit trade or business activity such as commercial dog walking unless specifically authorised.’