The Kennel Club has welcomed new measures, introduced by Tower Hamlets Council, which promote responsible dog ownership across the borough, and will continue to allow dogs to play off-lead in parks and green spaces.
The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) recommendations followed an extensive consultation with local residents, as well as cross-welfare organisation lobbying led by The Kennel Club, alongside Dogs Trust and Battersea, after initial proposals put forward by the Council raised fears of a blanket on-lead directive being introduced across all public spaces, deemed by many local residents and charities to be overly restrictive.
Instead, dogs can continue to play off-lead across all parks and green spaces, with a new “dogs on lead by direction” measure introduced – meaning all dog walkers must put and keep their dog on a lead if asked by an authorised officer. Other measures outlined are the exclusion of dogs from gated children’s play areas and sport areas, a requirement for dogs to be on leads near roads, pavements and communal areas on estates, and a dog fouling prohibition.
Dr Ed Hayes, Head of Public Affairs for The Kennel Club said: “We commend Tower Hamlets Council for striking a fair and reasonable compromise for all local residents, while still guaranteeing owners can continue to exercise their dogs safely and responsibly.
“We would also like to thank all the dog lovers who responded to the consultation and ensured their views were heard, which has proved to be crucial in ensuring that this PSPO takes into account the needs of the dog owning community.”
For more information on the new PSPO, click here. For more information on The Kennel Club’s campaigning and lobbying work, visit our website.