Release Date: 15/03/2012

Clamping down on irresponsible dog walkers

Proposals to restrict the number of dogs that can be walked on public land have been unveiled by the Council.
Residents are being consulted on Town Hall plans to extend existing dog control orders, in a bid to ensure that problems with irresponsible dog walkers can be tackled swiftly and effectively.

If the orders are introduced it would mean that dog walkers in the borough would be banned from taking more than four dogs onto any Council land – including parks and open spaces.

Following a public consultation in 2006, dog control orders were introduced, requiring people to clean up after any dog in their charge, keep their dog on a lead in certain areas, and restrict access to a small number of sites within the borough.

However, due to concerns on the rising number of professional dog walking companies coming to the borough, often walking up to 15 dogs at a time, the Council is looking to extend the orders further.

Councillor Virginia Morris, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

“Dog owners are important users of our parks and Richmond Council promotes and encourages responsible dog ownership. Most owners are conscientious; however, a small minority are not and this spoils the enjoyment of our open spaces and parks for others.

“Some of our neighbouring boroughs have already started clamping down on the number of dogs that people can walk in their borough. This has resulted in professional dog walking companies coming to our borough to walk sometimes up to 15 dogs.

“We have seen a rise in the number of complaints from members of the public regarding dogs that are not properly under control and fouling. Therefore we are proposing to restrict the number of dogs allowed with one person to ensure that everyone is able to exercise proper control over their dogs in our beautiful borough.”

Residents can have their say about the proposals by emailing: trees&parks@richmond.gov.uk or writing to: Head of Parks, Richmond Council, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ. The deadline for representations is the 12 April 2012.