New rules to tackle 'out-of-control' dogs proposed

The council is considering introducing a licence for professional dog-walkers

Residents in Tower Hamlets, east London, will be asked for their opinions on plans to impose tougher rules for dogs-owners in the borough.

Tower Hamlets Council says a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog-related anti-social behaviour is needed following a rise in the number of "out-of-control" dogs.

Some of the new rules being considered as part of a 12-week consultation would see dogs requiring leads in all public spaces.

Some residents say the rules would make "our lives and the lives of our dogs significantly harder".

The new rules being considered include:

• Ensuring dogs are on leads in all public spaces

• Banning dogs from certain spaces such as gated play parks and sports areas

• Limits to the the number of dogs one person can walk at a time

• In local estates dogs would have to be kept on leads including in car parks, on roads and in communal areas

• Stricter penalties for dog fouling

• Fixed Penalty Notices starting from £100 and a maximum fine of £1,000 if rules are broken

According to a cabinet report, the borough saw a number of dog attacks last summer that caused injuries and prompted the council to look at ways to tackle the issue.

Other boroughs in London that already have PSPOs for dog-related anti-social behaviour include Newham, Hackney, Islington, Redbridge, Enfield, Haringey, Camden, Westminster, Wandsworth, Southwark, Lewisham and Greenwich.

During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening, Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman said: “We’ve had quite serious incidences of attacks on people by dogs over the years and in some instances, it’s been life-changing."

Mr Rahman said: "We’re not saying [that] we’re going to ban dog ownership, all we’re saying is be responsible, it’s a responsibility.”

He added: “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.”

'Harm well-trained dogs'

The plans are causing concern among dog-walkers and owners in Tower Hamlets.

Labour councillor Sirajul Islam, who is the leader of the opposition, read out some of their fears at the cabinet meeting.

He said residents believed the rules, including the proposal to have dogs on leads in all public spaces and banning dogs from gated play parks, would "really harm well-trained dogs".

The results of the public consultation are expected in the autumn.