Tower Hamlets Council dog walking PSPO faces protest

The council is planning to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which could see dog walkers fined if they have their pets off lead in certain areas.

A consultation has been carried out and responses are being reviewed.

According to a cabinet report, the borough saw a number of dog attack incidents in summer 2023 which caused injuries and prompted the council to look at ways to tackle the issue.

But the plans have provoked outcry, with campaigners from the East London Dog Community and the Animal Welfare Party gathering in protest on Wednesday evening (November 20).

They called for the rejection or significant reduction of plans for the PSPO.

The former presented a petition, which has more than 2,500 signatures, to the full council meeting held that evening.

Many protestors brought their dogs along on Wednesday evening (Image: Graham Hilling)

Jane Smith, deputy leader of the Animal Welfare Party, said: "People who are less or unable to travel to designated dog exercise areas with their dogs will, understandably, feel distressed.

"At the same time, borough-wide, the overall perception of dogs could be negatively impacted and community relations strained.”

The PSPO would include new enforcements such as:

• Dogs to be on a lead around all un-gated children’s play areas and sporting areas
• Dogs to be on lead in all parks and open spaces (except specified dog off lead areas)
• A limit to the number of dogs one person can walk at a time to four

Victoria Park is one of many parks that the PSPO will apply to if passed (Image: Google) The East London Dog Community was recently formed in opposition to the proposed PSPO.

Bernadette Moriarty, spokesperson for the East London Dog Community, said: “Dog owners are as keen as anyone for a solution to the problems caused by irresponsible dog ownership but these proposals are not proportionate or effective.

"We have asked Tower Hamlets Council to take up the free service that the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust provide whereby specially trained dogs can come into school to educate children on how to behave around dogs.

"This will help the children that come from cultures that may have an element of fear of dogs. Education is always the key to everything."

She believes elderly and disabled residents "could be unfairly affected", as they may be unable to access alternative spaces for dog walks.

Bernadette also fears "the convergence of a large number of dogs in a small number of designated dog exercise areas could have negative consequences for the community".

She added: "For many, including elderly and disabled people, dog walks aren’t just exercise: they’re a lifeline.

"We want to find a solution that supports the many benefits of dog ownership, while resolving dog-related anti-social behaviour by targeting the source of the problems: a small number of irresponsible owners.”

A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said: “We have recently consulted on the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order, to tackle dog-related antisocial behaviour.

"As part of the consultation, residents, businesses, and stakeholders were asked to share their views.

“Responses are now being reviewed, and feedback will help to inform whether the council introduces a Public Spaces Protection Order and what it covers."