Huge rule change for dog walkers in parks could see thousands of pet owners BANNED – are you one of them?
THOUSANDS of dog owners could soon be banned from walking their pooches in public parks following a major rule change.
Locals in Tower Hamlets fear they won’t be able to take man’s best friend off the lead following the council’s “dog Asbos” plan.
The proposal, if passed, would see dogs banned from “all gated play parks and sports areas” and kept on leads in “all public spaces” except specific, yet-to-be defined areas, The Telegraph reported.
The plans would also prohibit dog owners from walking more than four pooches at the same time.
The borough’s council stood by the proposal – pointing to a spike in violent dog attacks to justify the move.
But locals have pushed back, accusing the council of not being clear in explaining how the regulations will be enforced.
They added that slapping pet owners with “dog Asbos” using a public spaces protection order (PSPO) will make popular dog-walking spaces such as Victoria Park a no-go area for the affected locals.
Olympic bronze medalist Scarlett Mew Jensen slammed the proposal, claiming the plans would make it impossible for her and her 2 year old Labrador to run freely.
“If she’s not able to get off the lead, she’s not able to be a dog,” Scarlett fumed.
“That adjustment would be really hard. She has to run from time to time or she’s not herself.”
Fellow resident Ian Joliet, who regularly walks his golden retriever in Victoria Park, also hit out at the council’s move.
“I understand that it has to be a park for everybody, and that means people that don’t like dogs, but it also has to be a park for everybody, including those that like dogs – and dogs, too, who need the exercise,” he told The Times.
The proposals would include “ensuring dogs are on leads in all public spaces, banning dogs from certain spaces such as gated play parks and sports areas and [imposing] limits to the the number of dogs one person can walk at a time”, the council said.
Under the PSPO, dogs would have to be kept on leads in car parks, on roads and in communal areas, with Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £1,000 for breaches of the orders.
During its consultation, which closed earlier this month, Tower Hamlets stated: “The decision to consult on the introduction of a PSPO in Tower Hamlets is in response to a number of enquiries regarding the policy for dangerous dogs in the borough and following a recent spate of high-profile incidents involving out-of-control nuisance dogs and their owners.
“Many residents are nervous about the presence of large and intimidating-looking dogs in the borough’s parks and green spaces.”
The mayor of Tower Hamlets, Luftur Rahman, defended the application which he feels will “protect the people of this borough”.
If she’s not able to get off the lead, she’s not able to be a dog.
Scarlett Mew Jensen
He said: “We’re not saying we’re going to ban dog ownership, all we’re saying is be responsible, it’s a responsibility.
“If you own a dog or you handle a dog, there are certain responsibilities you should have as an individual towards others, humans, people and property, and we’re here to protect the people of this borough.”
Meanwhile, dog walkers have been warned of the dangerous item that could skewer their pet and leave them in excruciating pain.
Cheryl Wild has issued the advice after her three-year-old Bedlington Terrier was impaled by the object and began to yelp in distress.
Betty was playing on Penmaenmawr beach in Conway, Wales, until disaster struck and she was left clawing at her face after being pierced by a fishing hook on Sunday 10 November.
Her owner was stunned after realising what had impaled her pet’s nose, especially after wire cutters were required to cut the metal off.
She told WalesOnline: “As I have a bad knee, I sat on a rock and watched them play.
“Betty began shaking her head frantically. At first, I didn’t think much of it as she often picks up seaweed and throws it around. But then she began yelping in pain.
“If I tried to pull them out, it would have ripped her nose to pieces but Betty was really distressed and was trying to knock out the hooks with her paws, causing the wound to bleed even more. I was worried she was going to rip them out and cause more damage – it was really traumatic for everyone there.”
Four dog laws every dog owner should know
- Your dog must be microchipped
Since 6 April 2016, all dogs in England, Scotland and Wales must be microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old. A microchip is a chip that’s about the size of a grain of rice that contains a unique 15-digit code that matches up to your dog’s details.
- You must pick up your dog’s mess
In most public areas, you will be required by law to pick up your dog’s poo, and you could even be fined if you fail to do so. There are certain areas, like heathland, woodland and fields used for agriculture, where you are not legally required to clean up after your dog.
It’s a good idea to know the rules of your local council, and always check the laws around anywhere you might be visiting with your pooch.
- You must make sure your dog doesn’t bark too much
Our dogs communicate with their mouths, through barks, yelps, whimpers, growls, groans or even sighs. All dogs bark (unless you have a Basenji) but if it’s excessive and considered a noise nuisance, your neighbours can complain to your local council or landlord.
If your dog is barking a lot while you’re out of the house, they might be distressed or anxious, but there are some easy ways that you can help ease their separation anxiety.
- Your dog must not worry livestock
If you’re walking your dog in the countryside, down a footpath through a farmer’s field or on agricultural land, your dog must not chase or attack any livestock.
If your dog worries livestock or is not on a lead around sheep, then you could be fined and forced to pay compensation.
Source: Animal Friends Pet Insurance