Tower Hamlets Council confirms new dog controls

Tower Hamlets Council, in London, is to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order for dog control.

The council took the decision to consult on the introduction of a PSPO in 2024 in response to enquiries regarding the council’s policy on dangerous dogs in the borough and following several high-profile incidents involving dogs in public spaces in London.

There were 2,267 responses to the consultation from local residents and the wider community, including animal welfare organisations, such as the RSPCA, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, The Kennel Club, and the East London Dog Community. A majority of those who participated approved of the new rules around dog fouling, dogs on leads on streets and pathways, and dogs being excluded from all gated children’s areas.

Dogs will still be allowed to play off-lead in all parks and green spaces in the borough and the following measures will be introduced this autumn:

• Dog fouling prohibition: owners must clean up after their dogs in public spaces.
• Dog on lead by direction: while dogs will still be allowed to play off-lead freely, all dog walkers must – if asked by an authorised officer – put and keep the dog on a lead for a period of time. This is to be used in instances such as the walker being unable to control the dog.
• Dogs will be excluded from gated children’s play areas and sport areas.
• Dogs will be required to be on leads near roads, pavements and communal areas on estates.
• Dog walkers will be allowed to walk a maximum of four dogs at one time, unless they have a professional dog walker license issued by the council.
• Neglecting to follow any of these rules may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).

Cllr Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, said: “These recommendations seek to strike a fair balance and we hope they will reassure residents who have expressed concern about dangerous dogs, particularly about risks to young children, while ensuring responsible dog owners in our community can fully enjoy our open spaces and allow their dogs to play off-lead freely.

“We will work together with our communities of dog owners in Tower Hamlets over the next few months to ensure the successful implementation of the new measures. Our aim is to ensure everyone can enjoy our borough’s beautiful parks and green spaces safely and comfortably.”

The council said it will focus primarily on education and promoting awareness of the new rules over the next few months, as well as erecting clear signage in any exclusion areas.