Dogs in parks

Dogs, and of course their owners, are welcome visitors to Richmond's parks and open spaces. In most of our parks you can exercise your dog without restrictions. However, in some areas we ask you to keep your dog on a lead. We also ask you not to take dogs into the fenced children's play areas or on to bowling greens, cricket wickets and other sports pitches.

Apart from being very unpleasant (no-one likes getting it on their shoes!), dog mess can be a very real health hazard. The eggs of the parasite Toxocaria canis, often found in dog faeces, can remain in the ground long after the faeces have decayed. They may then be picked up, perhaps by children during play, and be transferred from hand to mouth. At worst this can result in blindness and other painful symptoms.

The problem of dog mess affects everyone who uses our parks, and we are going to focus our efforts on cleaning up ten "hot spot" sites - please tell us where you think the problem is worst. You can send us a fault report online, e-mail parks@richmond.gov.uk or call us on 08456 122 660. With your help, we can make Richmond's parks safe and clean for everyone.

Please follow these guidelines when visiting Richmond's parks and open spaces with your dog:

• Clear up immediately after your dog if it fouls.
• Make sure your dog wears a collar with your name and address on it - this is a legal requirement under the Control of Dogs Order and could be vital if your dog gets lost.
• Keep your dog under proper control - remember, not everyone likes your dog as much as you do!

For more information please refer to Dog Fouling.